A Flier in Oil:
Adoph B. Spreckels and the Rise of the California Petroleum Industry

Anthony Kirk

Meticulously researched and engagingly written and illustrated with dozens of historical photographs, A Flier in Oil tells for the first time the story of Adolph Spreckels’ oil company and the larger role Spreckels played in the dramatic growth of the California petroleum industry. It tells, as well, the story of one of America’s most notable families-a family distinguished as much by its remarkable contributions to the growth of development of the Golden State as by the remarkable degree to which modern historians have neglected these contributions.

About the Author
Anothony Kirk received his doctorate in history form the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has written on subjects as diverse as California art and the art of pouring iron. He recently served as illustrations editor for CHS’ Sesquicentennial Series on the Gold Rush. He lives in Santa Cruz, California.

California Historical Society. 2000.