Includes bibliographical references and index.

The Raj in Arabia -- No oil in Arabia -- The geological surveys -- "Major" Frank Holmes -- The way to handle natives -- An immense Arabian oilfield -- The intruder -- Conflict, anger and abdication -- Resolute rulers -- "A little affair like this"---Iraq oil -- A colonial takes on the Empire -- Water and war -- Big New York shaikhs -- No honour among oilmen -- Double dealing -- The nationality clause -- Diplomatic dance -- Pipeline politics -- Kuwait out---Bahrain in -- King Solomon's mines -- All eyes on Al Hasa -- Intrigue and illusion -- An unclean subject -- Pressure points -- Ahmad and Holmes -- Closure -- Epilogue -- A "right" to Arabia's oil -- The British claim examined -- The American claim examined -- Glossary -- Who's who.