Love, oil and the fortunes of war

Harris, Paul2023

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Summary

World War 1 is imminent. The British Navy, the largest in the world, is for the first time in a century under serious threat. Luckily, fate is ready to play its part. So when the lives of three very different characters converge , the course of World War 1 - and history - are, luckily, transformed. The eccentric female archaeologist Gertrude Bell explores Persia. The charismatic Englishman Jackie Fisher is Admiral of the Fleet and battles to convince the Navy to modernise. And William D'Arcy, a determined Queensland businessman founds the Persian oil industry. The interactions of these extraordinary personalities shine a light on one of the most dramatic periods of the twentieth century. Set in Australia, the Middle East and England, this rollicking tale reveals how the achievements of a few - and more than a touch of serendipity - lead to the British Navy switching their fleet from coal to oil, from standard battleships to dreadnoughts, and so winning WW1. Love weaves throughout the historical events, as our protagonists fall in love, marry, conduct passionate affairs and also mourn great tragedies. From Persia to London to Far North Queensland and Gallipoli, the three heroes are surrounded by a host of famous (and infamous) characters, from Winston Churchill and T. E. Lawrence, to the new King Edward VII and the Kaiser and many more.