The World for Sale

The World for Sale by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy takes readers deep into the shadowy world of global commodity trading. At a time when energy crises and food shortages threaten global stability, this riveting exposé unveils the high-stakes lives of commodity traders who clandestinely keep the world’s oil, metal, and food supplies flowing, regardless of the source's corruption, conflict, or calamity.

These swashbuckling traders operate in a zone where legality often blurs with illegality. With billions of dollars at stake, they trade in Russian gas, Saudi oil, and Congolese metals, making them some of the most powerful yet obscure players in the global economy. Through a combination of dogged research and compelling storytelling, Blas and Farchy reveal the traders' audacity and the shadowy deals struck in the darkest corners of the world's political landscapes.

Their goal? To amass immense fortunes by buying and selling raw materials. Their methods? Ruthless and often morally questionable, including funnelling cash to Vladimir Putin's Kremlin under sanctions, cultivating relationships with Russian oligarchs post-Soviet Union collapse, and negotiating with Libyan rebels during the Arab Spring. The book provides an eye-opening look at how these traders navigate volatile markets and influence global politics.

This is a sector where audacious deals and audacious personalities converge. Many of the exploits recounted could be straight out of a John le Carré novel, but uniquely, these stories are based in reality. Known to few beyond their industry, these traders' reach and power are ubiquitous, impacting even the most unsuspecting consumer's daily life.

The World for Sale has garnered significant acclaim, being shortlisted for the Financial Times & McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award. It has also been recognised as a Book of the Year by both the Financial Times and The Economist. Critics have described it as:

"Gripping" - Economist

"Jaw-dropping" - Sunday Times

"Riveting" - Financial Times

"Fascinating" - Reuters

Delve into this globe-spanning corporate thriller filled with intrigue and double dealing. Blas and Farchy's meticulous research and captivating narration offer astonishing insights into a highly secretive industry that shapes the world in unsettling ways.

Don't miss this exhilarating journey that will change how you perceive global commodity markets and their far-reaching impact on everything from technology to daily sustenance.