Oilfield Trash: Life and Labor in the Oil Patch (Volume 22) (Kenneth E. Montague Series in Oil and Business History) Paperback – August 20, 2013

I bought this book for research on an upcoming novel, and it was filled with JUST the kind of information and anecdotes I was looking for. I gave it five stars because it suited my needs perfectly, though I'll add the caveat that I read only for the period I was researching, up to 1915 or so.It is surprisingly easy to read. I recommend it to anyone with an interest...or even if you don't have the interest.

Book was very good, if you're looking to find out were kelly or worm came from. It really only outlines the work that went on more of how and where us roughnecks came from.

Oilfield Trash: Life and Labor in the Oil Patch by Bobby D. Weaver is fascinating for those of us interested in the history of Texas oilfields, the history of oilfield workers and oilfield history in general. The scope of the book is broadly 1900-1960 - a slice of time during which everything changed in terms of labor pools, technology, transportation, the workforce and even culture. And the focus is on the laborers - many of whom were uneducated, inexperienced, young and seeking both adventure and fortune in the oilfield.The author does a great job of making what could be a really boring and singular story interesting and engaging. He brings in first-person interviews and newspaper accounts, but also scholarly writing and technical information to shed light on everything from the benefits and history of drilling techniques, to what life was like in a boomtown, to why farmers were such great oilfield worker and who does what on a rig.Frankly, it was pretty fascinating!The book is written chronologically and geographically, with the first three chapters focusing on various aspects of the the Spindletop discovery in 1901 and the Gulf Coast fields through 1910. Each subsequent chapter details another set of discoveries, including those in north Texas (190-1922) the Panhandle (1919-1930), east Texas (1930-1935),, west Texas (1923-1940) and finally Texas oilfields in WWII and the post-war years . The final two chapters look at the oilfield culture and the unique language that grew up around it.Although filled with history, Oilfield Trash: Life and Labor in the Oil Patch doesn't read like a textbook. It is engaging, and written in a style that's both clear and accessible to someone without a lot of experience or understanding of the topic.The book also includes a complete bibliography for people like me who are always wanting a bit more information.Whether you're just randomly curious about the the history of oilfield workers, or seek a deeper historical and cultural context to an industry that, in many ways, defines Texas, Oilfield Trash: Life and Labor in the Oil Patch by Bobby D. Weaver is a winner.

Lots of footnotes and documentation. Well-researched and well-written. The author, Weaver, approaches from an academic standpoint. Good book, I enjoyed it.

This is a very interesting book, as I was raised in a company oil camp

Great book for anyone interested in oil and gas.

Although I didn't work that far back, many things were still done the same way as when I worked during the 60s.

My husband adores this book. He works on the rigs so he enjoys reading about old stories that happened. Good Choice!