Tornados, Rattlesnakes & Oil
A Wildcatter's Memories of Hunting for Black Gold
by Thomas E. Cochrane, Geologist
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Pub Date Aug 14 2018 | Archive Date Oct 10 2018
River Beach Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
"Black Gold”…OIL…the magic bullet of liquid petroleum not only propels
all manner of people-movers globally, it’s also a component of more than
6,000 products—everything from motorcycle helmets, to vitamin capsules,
to ink. But who DISCOVERS these critical—and elusive—fossil fuels of
oil & gas?
MEET A WILDCATTER whose back-in-the-day journey
from the hills of New York, to the ice fields of Alaska, to the plains
of the Midwest brings the reader along on this complex quest to SEE
underground. Here’s an insider’s look at the petroleum industry of the
latter 20th century—and what geologist Thomas E. Cochrane experienced
along the way. From Oklahoma, to Texas, to rubbing elbows with iconic
oilman T. Boone Pickens, his personal tales of the oil fields provide a
firsthand glimpse into the art as well as the science of exploring and
drilling—all in the relentless pursuit of “hitting the big one,” every
wildcatter’s dream.
From company man, to making indie deals and
partnering on the fly while chasing the next hot prospect, Cochrane
discloses the technical processes involved in detail...but also the
thrill of the hunt—including what can sometimes go very wrong. From dry
holes, to blowouts, to sketchy money men among a cast of other colorful
oil patch characters, his story delivers a step-back-in-time look at a
bygone era in an ever-evolving global industry…
and he has a sage perspective to share on its future as well.
Note: Frankly, this is a "man's book" with warts n' all tales of yesteryear - and the author's early values are redeemed by the book's conclusion when he candidly shares key a-ha moments, both personally and professionally.
Advance Praise
"Most books about the oil patch usually fall into one of two categories.
The first are tributes to the “greatest gamblers.” The others are tomes
about the earth sciences. Rarely do we get a full-bodied peek into real life in the oil patch. Fortunately for us, Thomas E. Cochrane has accomplished the latter: a fast-paced and lyrical stroll through several decades of searching for oil and gas, punctuated with stories about the greatest gamblers, and insights into petroleum geology written in a way that is accessible to the general reader. The honesty and earthiness of the prose come as bonuses. I want to thank Mr. Cochrane for this latest contribution to the literature on the oil patch.”
― Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, Executive Director
Oklahoma Historical Society
Marketing Plan
This is book #2 by Thomas E. Cochrane. His first title, released in 2017,
was named the #1 Bestselling Title for 2017 by a key indie bookstore in
the limited region of its subject matter (e.g. Sonoma/Mendocino
counties), and has been a regional bestseller in 45+ stores/retailers
there including two State parks and a CA Welcome Center . The same
seasoned book publicist is overseeing the launch/promo of this second
title and this campaign will once again include publicity for Mr.
Cochrane as well as targeted advertising to niche geo-petroleum
populations via industry associations, etc., as well as general interest
promo in both N. CA where the author is based and the state of Oklahoma
where the bulk of this book is set, plus a sizable (530K) general
interest Twitter campaign both at its launch as well as later to spur
holiday sales. This new title which includes two dozen vintage photos,
graphs, diagrams, etc., is 8.5” x 8.5” and has been designed as a gift
book (and is specifically geared to women purchasing for men).
Extensive feature coverage of book #1 can be viewed on the website (see In the News page).
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780998510613 |
| PRICE | $19.95 (USD) |
