The Big Rich

The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Texas Oil Fortunes

By: Bryan Burrough

Narrated by: James Jenner

Best-selling author Bryan Burrough reveals how four Texas oil tycoons transformed America. Rising from humble beginnings through hard work and shrewd dealings, they shifted the balance of power in American politics.

While hobnobbing with movie stars and presidents, the Big Rich also created the legend of the swaggering Texas oilman with island hideaways and sprawling ranches.

©2009 Bryan Burrough (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"John Dunning is a master." ( USA Today)

Educational yet entertainment

Would you listen to The Big Rich again? Why?

Yes, such a wealth of knowledge it was hard to soak it all up

What about James Jenner’s performance did you like?

Kept me engaged in this history lesson from cover to cover

Any additional comments?

I am new to the Texas oil culture and was recommended to read two books: The Big Rich & The Frackers. Each book has been invaluable in understanding the [oil & gas] history, past & current, and the influence on Houston, on Texas, and on the nation.

Definitely worth the read for anyone new to the oil & gas industry and I’m sure valuable for y’all that already think you aced 7th grade Texas history class.

Amazing Texas history.

Although confusing at times, only because there are so many names, I could not stop reading it. A resident of Houston, I am amazed at it's oil history. I wish I could have seen the Shamrock Hotel in person.

Powerful story of the Biggest Men in Big Oil

If you could sum up The Big Rich in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, Exciting, Tragic

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Big Rich?

The Clint Merchison family and the creation of the Dallas Cowboys.

Have you listened to any of James Jenner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me feel compassion for the tragic fall from power two of these four families experienced.

Any additional comments?

Very informative and entertaining.

Texas history explained!

This book is basically an explanation of Texas history in the modern era. Much of Texas is misunderstood by outsiders, with everything being wrapped in a contemporary veneer created by recent explosive growth.

The author does seem to have a personal slant towards cultural elites rather than the tasteless nouveau rich, but that only enhanced the read for me.

A Gusher !

Any additional comments?

Having grown up in Houston this book was actually a trip down memory lane, I grew up there in the 1960's many of these names were still very prominent in the news I can remember my parents mentioning them now and again, Roy Cullen, there's a Boulevard in Houston named after him Cullen Boulevard, a great philanthropist he donated over 200 million to charities back when that was unheard of for rich people to do that.

Clint Murchison and his son Clint Jr. who started the Dallas Cowboys. Sid Richardson and his relation to the Bass family many people don't know a lot about Sid Richardson he was kind of a very low-keyed oil man but certainly the richest. Amazing stories about H.L. Hunt's two wives and then his third wife and how they were together at the same time and all the kids.

Also, wildcatter Glenn McCarthy the oil man who built The Shamrock Hotel in Houston, 1946 southwest of downtown Houston. There is about another dozen big rich oil men in this book which spin off of the Four Big Rich.

I also like the voice of James Jenner to listen, I have several books that he has narrated. If you're a Texan or you are in the oil petroleum business, this book is a must read.

Great great great book!

Absolutely fascinating, well worth the money and really well read and researched. Best book I’ve listen to

Worth the Read

Four generations of Texas oilmen, their climb to fame and fortune, the stories of their personal lives is a read worth the time especially for one like myself newly moved into east Texas. There is a degree of wisdom to glean from how the fortunes were made and the influence such money had on the succeeding generations, mostly sad and divisive. Still, the author’s style makes the volume a great read. Highly recommended.

Excellent.

I thoroughly enjoyed the history of what has shaped the Texas and the surrounding states.

A Story Bigger than Texas

Explains Texas culture through an oil and gas historical perspective. Discusses how Texas influenced national politics and more.

The amazing, almost academic, attention to detail is riveting.

Having lived in Houston for more than 25 years, and in the oil patch for more than 30, I was captivated and fascinated. I can now put the stories to the road signs and buildings I see on a daily basis.