The Golden Lane: Faja De Oro

by Sam L. Pfiester

The Golden Lane is a true story about the Tampico Oil Boom from 1909-1914. All the characters were real people. Most of the events happened as described. The story follows the early career of Everette DeGolyer, whose oil discoveries propelled Mexico into one of the largest oil producing nations at the time when the world's industries and navies became dependent on foreign crude, foreshadowing World War I and today's reliance on Mideast oil. At the same time, the Mexican Revolution swept the country into a decade-long era of violence. The book portrays the unfolding development of petroleum geology against a backdrop of revolution, foreign intrigue, and geopolitics. It's also a love story.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Sam L. Pfiester was born and raised in Fort Stockton, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Plan II. In 1968 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving two tours in the Vietnam War. The second tour he was senior advisor to a river patrol group operating in the Ca Mau Peninsula along the Cambodian border, and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. Later he wrote The Perfect War (by Sam Lee) about his experiences. In 1971 he was hired as a petroleum landman for Clayton W. Williams, Jr., an independent oil operator. He worked for Clayton Williams for ten years, eventually becoming exploration manager. Since 1982 he has operated his own exploration company, Pfiester Oil and Gas. He and his wife Rebecca have three grown children and reside in Georgetown, Texas.

Reviews

[Melissa Sargent]

The Golden Lane was quite interesting. It is a subject that I have not read before, but it sucked me in and I read it in two days!! The author did a great job! I wil look for more books by this author! *I got this book in a giveaway by Goodreads and the author, in exchange for my review.*

[Mary]

If you’ve ever known the thrill of a successful discovery or the disappointment of a dry hole I recommend you read this book.
If this first sentence doesn’t resonate in your heart this may not be the book for you.
This is the story of Everette DeGoyler’s quest that led to the discovery of one of the greatest oil wells in history and the Tampico oil boom.
As an exploration manager and independent the author has thoroughly researched the topic and writes with an intuitive understanding of his subject. This is a good example of creative non fiction in the style of The Map That Changed The World and The Boys In The Boat.
The men and women of the “oil patch” of the 20th century stand on the shoulders of men like DeGoyler.
In my opinion this should be required reading for any student with a degree in the petroleum sciences.

[Elisabeth Wheatley]

Albeit this book is not the sort of thing I usually read, I think it was a fascinating read.

This book focuses on the early career, one of the "fathers of modern geology," Everette DeGolyer, and his work in Mexico during the Tampico oil boom which lasted four years.

While it is officially historical fiction, it is more history than fiction. The author took great pains to accurately portray the historical events and people while still making it entertaining. Filled with excerpts from the real letters (particularly between DeGolyer and his wife) and geological reports, this book has an authentic feel to it that fans of realistic historical fiction will love. Not just a story of oil, this book also explores the social unrest of the Mexican people of the time and the influence world politics had on the events there. 5 stars!