This work investigates the complex intersection of extreme wealth, personal dysfunction, and the legacy of John Paul Getty, once the wealthiest individual on the planet. Russell Miller utilizes extensive research and interviews to construct a comprehensive portrait of the oil tycoon. The narrative examines how Getty's relentless pursuit of capital influenced his five marriages, his strained relationships with his children, and the eventual kidnapping of his grandson. The book serves as a critical analysis of the psychological costs associated with the accumulation of vast, dynastic fortunes.

Critics and readers frequently note the thoroughness of Miller's investigative approach in documenting the darker aspects of the Getty family history. Experts highlight this text as a primary resource for understanding the personal volatility that often accompanied the mid-twentieth-century oil boom.