27. The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of

This book by Daniel Ammann provides a comprehensive and detailed biography of Marc Rich, a billionaire oil trader who invented the spot oil market. Rich's life is chronicled from his childhood as a Jewish refugee fleeing the Nazis to his rise as a prominent commodities trader. The book explores his lucrative and often controversial dealings with various countries, including Iran, Cuba, South Africa, and others, as well as his indictment in the US and his subsequent pardon by President Bill Clinton. The biography offers insights into Rich's complex personality, his business strategies, and his impact on global trade and geopolitics.

The World for Sale exposes one of the least scrutinized corners of the world economy: the billionaire commodity traders. The book tells the story of how these swashbuckling businessmen became crucial in global markets, enabling a significant expansion in international trade and connecting resource-rich countries with the world's financial centers. It also delves into how some traders acquired political power and influenced global events despite western regulations and sanctions.