Book · 2010 · Biography & Autobiography
The King of Oil
The Secret Lives of Marc Rich
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There's also a very good Mark Rich biography called The King of Oil by Danielle Aman.
Stephen Dubner · Freakonomics Radio · Mar 2026 Listen at 18:29 Why people recommend it
The King of Oil by Daniel Ammann is a biographical non-fiction book that chronicles the life and career of the controversial billionaire commodity trader Mark Rich. Stephen Dubner discussed the biography on Freakonomics Radio, recommending it to listeners as a very good read while exploring the hidden forces and powerful figures behind global commodities markets. The book details Rich's founding of Glencore, his creation of the spot oil market, and his eventual indictment by U.S. federal prosecutor Rudy Giuliani, which led to a famous presidential pardon by Bill Clinton. Through meticulous research, the author uncovers how Rich amassed immense wealth and influence by trading with rogue states and navigating geopolitical conflicts. Dubner highlighted the work to shed light on one of the most powerful people most listeners have never heard of, providing a fascinating glimpse into the secretive and high-stakes world of international trade, finance, and the complex legal battles that followed Rich throughout his extraordinary career.
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Stephen Dubner There's also a very good Mark Rich biography called The King of Oil by Danielle Aman. 1
“There's also a very good Mark Rich biography called The King of Oil by Danielle Aman.”