Mr Five Per Cent

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When Calouste Gulbenkian died in 1955 at 86, he was the world's richest man, known as 'Mr Five Per Cent' for his share of Middle East oil. Born to a wealthy Armenian merchant in Istanbul, he spent half a century brokering high-level oil deals while concealing a complex web of business interests across Asian and European cartels. He skillfully portrayed himself as an 'honest broker' to both governments and oil magnates. Today, his legacy primarily lives on through the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, which houses his remarkable art collection and much of his wealth. Gulbenkian's private life mirrored the intricacies of his business dealings; he espoused high 'moral values' while leveraging his wife's charm to advance his career and demanding strict obedience from his family. His early years were marked by a lavish lifestyle, including relationships with actresses and showgirls, and later, at his doctor's advice, he engaged with a series of discreetly arranged young women. He amassed an extraordinary art collection, including Rembrandts and treasures acquired from Stalin's Hermitage Museum. Published for the 150th anniversary of his birth, this account delves into Gulbenkian's multifaceted life and his significant influence on the modern oil industry.