Société Anonyme pour L'Exploitation du Naphte Nobel Frères.

Profusely illustrated publication on the vast production system of the largest oil producer in Azerbaijan.

Branobel (short for Brat'ev Nobel') was founded in Baku in 1876 and at its height produced 50% of the world's oil. The immense scale of production saw the establishment of the industry as we know it today, aided by the scientific research and engineering advances made by Ludwig Nobel. The company took the spotlight away from the USA with their innovative use of oil tankers, pipelines and efficient refineries. The illustrations published here display the vast network of extraction, refinement and transportation. From the ancient city walls and oil fields of Baku to everyday workers in Astrakhan, Tashkent, Cheleken and Moscow, the illustrations depict the extent of the company's exploits.