Presents an in-depth study of how BP's history of the pursuit of profits set the stage for the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Describes the repeated attempts to cap the geyser of oil erupting from the ocean floor, depicts the corporate irresponsibility and government oversights that led to the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history, and examines its environmental impact. Includes chapter notes and an index.

Piercing the fires of hell -- Dawn in the desert -- Rise of the sun king -- "Flying close to the wind" -- "There's nothing left" -- Imminent hazard -- The price of failure -- The fixer -- The fall of the sun king -- Not enough -- "A burning platform" -- "Who cares, it's done" -- Prelude to disaster -- Drops in the big ocean -- A fox in the henhouse -- Reefs of ruin -- Apologies all around -- Meet the new boss-- -- Lost faith -- All for oil.