An important new book by Steve Coll, a favorite author whose earlier works on the breakup of AT&T and the disastrous acquisition by Texaco of Getty Oil had significant effects on my views.

Coll is hitting the interview circuit this week promoting his most recent book.  For Alaskans, one interview of special significance is this morning’s discussion with Steve Inskeep of NPR’s Morning edition on “How The Valdez Oil Spill Shaped ExxonMobil.”  Not only is the link to the Valdez oil spill of interest, of even more significance is Coll’s insight into how Exxon thinks and acts.  Coll also had second, longer interview focused on other aspects of the book yesterday with Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air.