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The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I
This instant New York Times bestselling “dynamic detective story” (The New York Times) reveals the hidden history Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I.
September 29, 1913: the steamship Dresden is halfway between Belgium and England. On board is one of the most famous men in the world, Rudolf Diesel, whose new internal combustion engine is on the verge of revolutionizing global industry forever. But Diesel never arrives at his destination. He vanishes during the night and headlines around the world wonder if it was an accident, suicide, or murder.
After rising from an impoverished European childhood, Diesel had become a multi-millionaire with his powerful engine that does not require expensive petroleum-based fuel. In doing so, he became not only an international celebrity but also the enemy of two extremely powerful Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil and the richest man in the world.
The Kaiser wanted the engine to power a fleet of submarines that would finally allow him to challenge Great Britain’s Royal Navy. But Diesel had intended for his engine to be used for the betterment of the world.
Now, New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brunt reopens the case and provides an “absolutely riveting” (Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author) new conclusion about Diesel’s fate. Brunt’s book is “equal parts Walter Isaacson and Sherlock Holmes, [and] yanks back the curtain on the greatest caper of the 20th century in this riveting history” (Jay Winik, New York Times bestselling author).
September 29, 1913: the steamship Dresden is halfway between Belgium and England. On board is one of the most famous men in the world, Rudolf Diesel, whose new internal combustion engine is on the verge of revolutionizing global industry forever. But Diesel never arrives at his destination. He vanishes during the night and headlines around the world wonder if it was an accident, suicide, or murder.
After rising from an impoverished European childhood, Diesel had become a multi-millionaire with his powerful engine that does not require expensive petroleum-based fuel. In doing so, he became not only an international celebrity but also the enemy of two extremely powerful Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil and the richest man in the world.
The Kaiser wanted the engine to power a fleet of submarines that would finally allow him to challenge Great Britain’s Royal Navy. But Diesel had intended for his engine to be used for the betterment of the world.
Now, New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brunt reopens the case and provides an “absolutely riveting” (Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author) new conclusion about Diesel’s fate. Brunt’s book is “equal parts Walter Isaacson and Sherlock Holmes, [and] yanks back the curtain on the greatest caper of the 20th century in this riveting history” (Jay Winik, New York Times bestselling author).
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
About the author
Douglas Brunt
4 books179 followersDouglas Brunt is an American novelist, historian, podcast host for SiriusXM, and entrepreneur. He was the CEO of Authentium, Inc., an Internet security company, which he sold in 2011.
Brunt is The New York Times bestselling author of three novels. THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF RUDOLF DIESEL is his first work of nonfiction.
More information at www.douglasbrunt.com
Brunt is The New York Times bestselling author of three novels. THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF RUDOLF DIESEL is his first work of nonfiction.
More information at www.douglasbrunt.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 623 reviews
May 22, 2023
I loved this book as mesmerizing, you-can’t-make-this-up history about political leaders, inventors, and robber barons in the run-up to World War One; but I also devoured it as one of the strangest celebrity disappearing acts in modern history. Absolutely riveting.
August 27, 2023
On sale: September 19, 2023. This book about the birth and development of the Diesel engine is impeccably researched, informative and filled with interesting historical and scientific tidbits that fill the reader with excitement about this subject. The author makes a radical turn toward the end of the book to examine the possible truths of Rudolf Diesel's demise. Very interesting read!
My thanks to the author, Douglas Brunt, and the publisher, Atria Books, for my Advance Reader's Edition of this wonderful book. #Goodreads Giveaway
My thanks to the author, Douglas Brunt, and the publisher, Atria Books, for my Advance Reader's Edition of this wonderful book. #Goodreads Giveaway
July 9, 2023
⭐️⭐️ The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel begins as a very promising history of the invention of the Diesel engine. The author has a good command of the forces at play in Diesel’s life that caused him to invent his revolutionary engine. Diesel’s life was a fascinating rags-to-riches tale, and Brunt does a good job contextualizing it in the larger turmoil taking place in Europe at the time. Brunt also is a good, clear, engaging writer, and the book is interesting for a scientist, but not inscrutable for a lay reader.
Unfortunately, at around the 80% mark, this book takes a sudden swerve into conspiracy theory land. As the prologue reveals, Diesel disappears from a ferry and his body is found by some fisherman later. The breathless press wonders whether it was murder, or an accident, or suicide. Brunt’s proposal is the kind of extraordinary claim that requires extraordinary evidence, and Brunt does not deliver. Instead, he offers the kind of circumstantial evidence that would get him shot down on a reddit thread, and does not appear to even have attempted the kind of archival research that would be necessary to prove his claims reliably.
It’s a shame, because there clearly is a market for a readable, engaging, biography of Diesel aimed at a non-academic audience, and Brunt makes the case that Diesel has been shamefully overlooked by history. However, Brunt is too enamored of his shoddy detective work to execute even that task. I additionally wonder about the editors and publishers that were convinced by this level of evidence--they should have better quality control.
The publisher provided me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
#bookstagram #bookreview #dissapointed #nonfiction
Unfortunately, at around the 80% mark, this book takes a sudden swerve into conspiracy theory land. As the prologue reveals, Diesel disappears from a ferry and his body is found by some fisherman later. The breathless press wonders whether it was murder, or an accident, or suicide. Brunt’s proposal is the kind of extraordinary claim that requires extraordinary evidence, and Brunt does not deliver. Instead, he offers the kind of circumstantial evidence that would get him shot down on a reddit thread, and does not appear to even have attempted the kind of archival research that would be necessary to prove his claims reliably.
It’s a shame, because there clearly is a market for a readable, engaging, biography of Diesel aimed at a non-academic audience, and Brunt makes the case that Diesel has been shamefully overlooked by history. However, Brunt is too enamored of his shoddy detective work to execute even that task. I additionally wonder about the editors and publishers that were convinced by this level of evidence--they should have better quality control.
The publisher provided me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
#bookstagram #bookreview #dissapointed #nonfiction
June 25, 2024
Brunt's book starts off as a biography of the inventor of the Diesel engine, but quickly transitions into the development of the engine and its impact on early 20th century economies and geopolitics. The final part of the novel turns its focus towards the disappearance of Diesel himself, in which Brunt hypothesizes on what really happened.
It is surprising that a man of such impact could be so quickly forgotten by history, but, if Brunt's thesis is correct, the end of Diesel's career largely explains that. I also appreciated the research Brunt did on the long-term impacts of the Diesel engine, up to the present day. This is a thoroughly researched project and therefore very informative for the reader. Brunt is a quality writer, although nothing flashy. I recommend it to history fans, of course, but I think this would interest a wider audience as well. Wouldn't shock me to see Hollywood poking around this story too.
It is surprising that a man of such impact could be so quickly forgotten by history, but, if Brunt's thesis is correct, the end of Diesel's career largely explains that. I also appreciated the research Brunt did on the long-term impacts of the Diesel engine, up to the present day. This is a thoroughly researched project and therefore very informative for the reader. Brunt is a quality writer, although nothing flashy. I recommend it to history fans, of course, but I think this would interest a wider audience as well. Wouldn't shock me to see Hollywood poking around this story too.
December 7, 2023
Reading a nonfiction book can be dicey. I have read some that were so scholarly that I felt I needed a Ph.D. to get through them. Others, especially Erik Larson's books, safely navigate the waters between well-researched and eminently readable. Douglas Brunt's account of Rudolf Diesel's life and mysterious disappearance falls into this later category.
In September 1913, a body was found floating at sea, and although it was not recovered, items found on it led family members to believe it was that of Rudolf Diesel, who went missing on a crossing of the English Channel. How did he come to be in the water? Did he accidentally go overboard? Was it suicide? Or, more ominously, could he have been murdered?
Documenting the life of this unique individual who rose from poverty to invent one of the most critical engines in history, this book details not only the many obstacles Diesel overcame but also brings to life the era and the people around him. He fought an uphill battle trying to convince the industrial world of the superiority of the Diesel engine and its application to everyday life. Diesel was an inventor and a humanitarian whose vision of a better, less polluted world was a life goal.
This book is part biography and part page-turning mystery. It is both insightful and suspenseful, with a twist I bought into. The arguments about what happened to Rudolf Diesel on that fateful crossing are well-reasoned and clearly presented. I now have a better appreciation of the Diesel engine and the man behind it.
In September 1913, a body was found floating at sea, and although it was not recovered, items found on it led family members to believe it was that of Rudolf Diesel, who went missing on a crossing of the English Channel. How did he come to be in the water? Did he accidentally go overboard? Was it suicide? Or, more ominously, could he have been murdered?
Documenting the life of this unique individual who rose from poverty to invent one of the most critical engines in history, this book details not only the many obstacles Diesel overcame but also brings to life the era and the people around him. He fought an uphill battle trying to convince the industrial world of the superiority of the Diesel engine and its application to everyday life. Diesel was an inventor and a humanitarian whose vision of a better, less polluted world was a life goal.
This book is part biography and part page-turning mystery. It is both insightful and suspenseful, with a twist I bought into. The arguments about what happened to Rudolf Diesel on that fateful crossing are well-reasoned and clearly presented. I now have a better appreciation of the Diesel engine and the man behind it.
November 18, 2023
This biography begins bedecked with errors. Then it presents the most implausible suggestion about what happened to eponymous inventor of the high pressure engine used in most trucks, railroads, and some cars. Then proceeds to show why the unlikely is the sole possible explanation accounting for the facts behind Rudolf Diesel’s 1913 “death.”
Before praising Caesar, I must bury him under the constant special pleading proffered by author Donald Brunt. The Diesel engine is NOT the “most disruptive technology in history.” Sorry, that award goes to Gutenberg’s printing press. And Otto von Bismarck was NOT the most influential figure in Europe since Charlemagne—that crown goes to Napoleon or Metternich. These errors, along with a See-Dick-and-Jane-walk-up-the-hill writing style suggest the book is pitched to those completely unfamiliar with European history.
But such elementary errors recede in Brunt’s last 15 percent of the book, which take a surprising turn. I did not expect the speculation provided. And, having stated the thesis, I never expected the author to prove something that took place 110 years ago. But Brunt does, and it’s fascinating. All I will say (no spoilers) is the notion is somewhere between “Reilly, Ace of Spies” and “The Man Who Never Was,” each of which are mentioned in this book.
Absent the early mistakes, this would been a five-star analysis of a true-life mystery. Yet, I admire the author’s well-supported speculations. Call it four-and-a-half stars.
Before praising Caesar, I must bury him under the constant special pleading proffered by author Donald Brunt. The Diesel engine is NOT the “most disruptive technology in history.” Sorry, that award goes to Gutenberg’s printing press. And Otto von Bismarck was NOT the most influential figure in Europe since Charlemagne—that crown goes to Napoleon or Metternich. These errors, along with a See-Dick-and-Jane-walk-up-the-hill writing style suggest the book is pitched to those completely unfamiliar with European history.
But such elementary errors recede in Brunt’s last 15 percent of the book, which take a surprising turn. I did not expect the speculation provided. And, having stated the thesis, I never expected the author to prove something that took place 110 years ago. But Brunt does, and it’s fascinating. All I will say (no spoilers) is the notion is somewhere between “Reilly, Ace of Spies” and “The Man Who Never Was,” each of which are mentioned in this book.
Absent the early mistakes, this would been a five-star analysis of a true-life mystery. Yet, I admire the author’s well-supported speculations. Call it four-and-a-half stars.
November 28, 2023
2.5 rounded down. This is the most infuriatingly structured book I've read. So much research and heart clearly went into this book, but I struggled to get through it.
The title implies it will be about Diesel's disappearance, but it chronologically goes through Diesel's life and how the Diesel engine works in a very long-winded way (which is surprising for a book of only 329 pages), then goes into theory land for the last 50 pages. It's really jarring to feel like you're reading a history book, then shift into a full conspiracy theory at the end. The author asserts his theory on what happened to Diesel with his full chest and presents it like it's the objective truth.
Also, he devotes several chapters to talking about certain characters only to essentially say "but they probably didn't have anything to do with the disappearance, though" in a few paragraphs at the end, making it feel more bloated.
Even nonfiction books can have a good setup and payoff if it's structured right. This book had all the building blocks, but ultimately fell flat to me based on the way it was put together.
The title implies it will be about Diesel's disappearance, but it chronologically goes through Diesel's life and how the Diesel engine works in a very long-winded way (which is surprising for a book of only 329 pages), then goes into theory land for the last 50 pages. It's really jarring to feel like you're reading a history book, then shift into a full conspiracy theory at the end. The author asserts his theory on what happened to Diesel with his full chest and presents it like it's the objective truth.
Also, he devotes several chapters to talking about certain characters only to essentially say "but they probably didn't have anything to do with the disappearance, though" in a few paragraphs at the end, making it feel more bloated.
Even nonfiction books can have a good setup and payoff if it's structured right. This book had all the building blocks, but ultimately fell flat to me based on the way it was put together.
March 24, 2024
This is an unusual book for me, as I don't often read Non-fiction. Certainly not as much now as I did in college before I started the Youtube Channel. I picked this book up because I had heard a little about it. It certainly has a well produced pitch.
The book is divided into four parts, each building to its thesis. It primarily follows Rudolf Diesel and his family as he goes from being a curious boy to a talented engineer to an incredible designer and businessman. It also follows his bizzare disappearance and tries to provide an explanation for what happened.
The book also has a few minor characters that it follows, particularly Wilhelm and John D. Rockefeller, who are believed to be suspects in the murder, as well as Winston Churchill, who was integral to building England's navy and may have been involved in another capacity.
The first part is very interesting, as it documents Diesel's early life, moving from country to country. This is very standard Biography style writing, but I found the political history and circumstances fascinating. We also see a little about the backstory of Rockefeller and Wilhelm II here. The information about Bismarck and his political abilities was great here.
The second and third parts document Rudolf Diesel's bulding and designing of the Diesel engine. I cannot lie...this section was mostly boring for me, and it lasts for 170 of the 330 pages (or half the book). If you are an engineer, you will probably find this information fascinating. If you are a technically minded person, you also might find these sections interesting. The only thing that really kept me interested here was knowning we would get to the mystery at the end and the tidbits about political updates happening, which I found fascinating (here is when the Churchill stuff comes into play).
The fourth part of the book is by far the most interesting and exciting portion of the book. This is when the book became a page turner for me. This is the section about the mystery and potential answers to what happened to Diesel. Brunt presents an argument that actually seems to follow the logic C. S. Lewis uses for "Lord, Liar, Lunatic", although the argument here is "Accident, Suicide, and Murder". I thought for sure that Suicide would be the ultimate answer presented, but Brunt has a terrific twist that literally had me say "what? WHAT?!" out loud. He then spends the next chapter or so outlining the logic behind this answer. (Although be forewarned, there isn't a DEFINITIVE answer in the book...but the evidence does lay out a compelling case as to what happneed).
Overall, the book has incredibly interesting sections that I loved, and it also has sections that I found mindnumbingly boring. I would actually recommend that most people just skim or even skip parts 2 and 3 to get to the good stuff in part 4 after they've read part 1. I might be controversial for that. I'll give the book a 7 out of 10.
The book is divided into four parts, each building to its thesis. It primarily follows Rudolf Diesel and his family as he goes from being a curious boy to a talented engineer to an incredible designer and businessman. It also follows his bizzare disappearance and tries to provide an explanation for what happened.
The book also has a few minor characters that it follows, particularly Wilhelm and John D. Rockefeller, who are believed to be suspects in the murder, as well as Winston Churchill, who was integral to building England's navy and may have been involved in another capacity.
The first part is very interesting, as it documents Diesel's early life, moving from country to country. This is very standard Biography style writing, but I found the political history and circumstances fascinating. We also see a little about the backstory of Rockefeller and Wilhelm II here. The information about Bismarck and his political abilities was great here.
The second and third parts document Rudolf Diesel's bulding and designing of the Diesel engine. I cannot lie...this section was mostly boring for me, and it lasts for 170 of the 330 pages (or half the book). If you are an engineer, you will probably find this information fascinating. If you are a technically minded person, you also might find these sections interesting. The only thing that really kept me interested here was knowning we would get to the mystery at the end and the tidbits about political updates happening, which I found fascinating (here is when the Churchill stuff comes into play).
The fourth part of the book is by far the most interesting and exciting portion of the book. This is when the book became a page turner for me. This is the section about the mystery and potential answers to what happened to Diesel. Brunt presents an argument that actually seems to follow the logic C. S. Lewis uses for "Lord, Liar, Lunatic", although the argument here is "Accident, Suicide, and Murder". I thought for sure that Suicide would be the ultimate answer presented, but Brunt has a terrific twist that literally had me say "what? WHAT?!" out loud. He then spends the next chapter or so outlining the logic behind this answer. (Although be forewarned, there isn't a DEFINITIVE answer in the book...but the evidence does lay out a compelling case as to what happneed).
Overall, the book has incredibly interesting sections that I loved, and it also has sections that I found mindnumbingly boring. I would actually recommend that most people just skim or even skip parts 2 and 3 to get to the good stuff in part 4 after they've read part 1. I might be controversial for that. I'll give the book a 7 out of 10.
August 26, 2023
I am always wary reading a book from an author who is primarily known for novels. This is not an indictment of a novel writer, but I have had bad experiences where certain writers will try to inject suspense and excitement into historical episodes which are well known. Luckily, I can confirm that Douglas Brunt does not fall into this trap.
Brunt's The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel follows the life of the eponymous engine creator. Brunt is an excellent writer, but what really comes through is his love for his subject. I don't just mean Diesel himself but also his engineering. Brunt explains the creation of the engine, its proliferation, and how many different people reacted to its unveiling. I will say that some passages are clearly trying to lead in a certain direction (more on that in a minute), but overall the story flows quite well.
Now, about that ending. Brunt attempts to solve the mystery of Diesel's disappearance. I will say that Brunt does not hedge his bet in any way. I would also say I do not think he proved his conclusion and quite frankly I disagree with it. That said, this book is way more than its ending and I definitely enjoyed the journey.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Atria Books.)
Brunt's The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel follows the life of the eponymous engine creator. Brunt is an excellent writer, but what really comes through is his love for his subject. I don't just mean Diesel himself but also his engineering. Brunt explains the creation of the engine, its proliferation, and how many different people reacted to its unveiling. I will say that some passages are clearly trying to lead in a certain direction (more on that in a minute), but overall the story flows quite well.
Now, about that ending. Brunt attempts to solve the mystery of Diesel's disappearance. I will say that Brunt does not hedge his bet in any way. I would also say I do not think he proved his conclusion and quite frankly I disagree with it. That said, this book is way more than its ending and I definitely enjoyed the journey.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Atria Books.)
June 7, 2024
(3.5) I will read more of his work…
Carefully researched, avoids demonizing capitalists like Rockefeller, and makes shocking but supported assertions.
James Garfield’s presidency, McNamara policy to bring the low IQ in as soldiers in Nam, and now that Diesel was a person that the engine and fuel is named after are recent additions to my mind’s library of knowledge…
Brunt is quite measured in his retelling of history, avoiding the cliched attacks on the Uber capitalists…btw while Rockefeller cornered the market in kerosene he dropped the cost for the consumer by more than a factor of four…
That Diesel actually defected seems accurate….harder to understand is how the man would give up his family…yes, he couldn’t publicly defect bc his family was so tied into the authoritarian German empire but still Rudolph’s actions seem radical for anyone and especially a middle aged man…
Carefully researched, avoids demonizing capitalists like Rockefeller, and makes shocking but supported assertions.
James Garfield’s presidency, McNamara policy to bring the low IQ in as soldiers in Nam, and now that Diesel was a person that the engine and fuel is named after are recent additions to my mind’s library of knowledge…
Brunt is quite measured in his retelling of history, avoiding the cliched attacks on the Uber capitalists…btw while Rockefeller cornered the market in kerosene he dropped the cost for the consumer by more than a factor of four…
That Diesel actually defected seems accurate….harder to understand is how the man would give up his family…yes, he couldn’t publicly defect bc his family was so tied into the authoritarian German empire but still Rudolph’s actions seem radical for anyone and especially a middle aged man…
September 25, 2023
You've probably never heard of Rudolf Diesel but you've definitely heard of what he invented...the Diesel engine. Despite being such an important part of life, I was surprised that I had never heard of Rudolf Diesel or his mysterious ending. Last week I watched a YouTube video about Rudolf Diesel's death and it left me deeply intrigued. I wanted to know more and lucky for me this book had just arrived at my library.
The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel isn't just about his death its a full biography of his life and his famous invention. He does give a full breakdown of all the possible theories of what happened on September 30th of 1913. After watching that video last week I came to a particular conclusion about what might have happened to Rudolf Diesel and I was surprised that the author of this book came to the same conclusion. I think our conclusion just makes the most sense. I won't tell what that is because I really think you should read this book.
It's a quick read. It's well researched and entertaining. Often historical books can be boring or dry but this book at times read like a novel. Rudolf Diesel is one of the important inventors of the 20th century and yet he isn't mentioned like his closest counterpart Thomas Edison. Maybe it's because he was German and in Germany maybe he's better remembered over there. Rudolf Diesel was a man ahead of his time and he even worried about how his engine would effect the environment.
The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel is part biography of a man, part biography of the Diesel engine and part crime mystery novel.
The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel isn't just about his death its a full biography of his life and his famous invention. He does give a full breakdown of all the possible theories of what happened on September 30th of 1913. After watching that video last week I came to a particular conclusion about what might have happened to Rudolf Diesel and I was surprised that the author of this book came to the same conclusion. I think our conclusion just makes the most sense. I won't tell what that is because I really think you should read this book.
It's a quick read. It's well researched and entertaining. Often historical books can be boring or dry but this book at times read like a novel. Rudolf Diesel is one of the important inventors of the 20th century and yet he isn't mentioned like his closest counterpart Thomas Edison. Maybe it's because he was German and in Germany maybe he's better remembered over there. Rudolf Diesel was a man ahead of his time and he even worried about how his engine would effect the environment.
The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel is part biography of a man, part biography of the Diesel engine and part crime mystery novel.
December 8, 2023
This was an interesting read, although I think it would have been more accurate to title it something like “really important inventor you might never have heard of and the impact of his invention, and also he disappeared and I will speculate about what might have happened..” Rudolf Diesel was the inventor of the diesel engine - he was a brilliant inventor and was motivated by the potential to create engines that were both more efficient and more accessible to the masses rather than just putting $ in the pockets of the richest in society. Diesel grew up in poverty and was only able to go to school because of the assistance of a family member. Having seen his family struggle, he very much approached the idea of inventions as something that has the capacity to improve society vs just make a few people wealthier. In this book, the author gives you essentially a biography of Diesel’s life as well as a good understanding of the technology involved in various engine types. In general, I understood the science piece of this, which means the author did a pretty good job making it clear to a non-technical reader. It ended up being fascinating hearing about not just the development of the engine, but also the impact of this development on war and industry over the next 100 years. The hook for this title is in the end of Diesel’s life. In 1913, he disappeared on a crossing of the English Channel. His clothes were found in a neat pile and allegations of both suicide and murder were everywhere, including suspicions around some of the wealthiest captains of industry in the world. Two weeks after he disappeared, a body was found containing identifying objects, but the body itself was left in the sea. In the last 20% of the book, Brunt presents a speculation on what he thinks really happened to Diesel. This does land solidly in the lane of speculation, but it is interesting to consider.
I initially picked this up because of the intrigue referenced in the title, but what kept me reading was the significance of Diesel and his work. I wish it had been more accurately titled - it is worth reading for the biography and impact alone.
I initially picked this up because of the intrigue referenced in the title, but what kept me reading was the significance of Diesel and his work. I wish it had been more accurately titled - it is worth reading for the biography and impact alone.
December 9, 2023
A well writen book that may solve the mystery of the inventor Rudolf Diesel's disappearance. The book's cover gives the impression that it is mainly about submarines. Learned about the book and author on the Andrew Klavan pod cast.
May 28, 2024
So interesting!! There was only one section that was slow to me. But the last section of the book had me binge reading!
February 19, 2024
Strange to have a nonfiction biography with such a severe plot twist. Switches from a biography to a conspiracy theory, and not much of a theory because the author makes no attempt to veil his thoughts, but it’s entertaining and I don’t disagree with the speculation. Makes me wanna but a diesel truck and read about the JFK conspiracy
April 26, 2024
One of my favorite books I've read this year! My favorite category of books is "historical things that are really important/fascinating but for some reason everyone has forgotten about them." And this book perfectly fits that label.
Did you know that diesel should be written Diesel? Does your keyboard allow you to not capitalize Chrysler? Did you even know that Diesel was a person?
I found very bit of this book fascinating, from the science behind the Diesel engine, to his influence on WWI, to the beginnings of Anheuser-Busch, to the origins of the Nobel prize. Believe or not, those last two are actually connected to the engine itself!
And then, Diesel disappears. One of the richest, most influential, men in the world. Gone with out a trace. And a few months later, his wife mysteriously disappears as well 👀
Warning: if you read the physical copy of this book, you may be bored and overwhelmed. However, the audiobook is marvelous!
Did you know that diesel should be written Diesel? Does your keyboard allow you to not capitalize Chrysler? Did you even know that Diesel was a person?
I found very bit of this book fascinating, from the science behind the Diesel engine, to his influence on WWI, to the beginnings of Anheuser-Busch, to the origins of the Nobel prize. Believe or not, those last two are actually connected to the engine itself!
And then, Diesel disappears. One of the richest, most influential, men in the world. Gone with out a trace. And a few months later, his wife mysteriously disappears as well 👀
Warning: if you read the physical copy of this book, you may be bored and overwhelmed. However, the audiobook is marvelous!
May 9, 2024
Good book overall. I learned a lot about the inventor of the diesel engine and how he disappeared.
March 2, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I had no idea who Rudolf Diesel was except that he had something to do with diesel engines. Reading this book pointed out that he was much more than an inventor, so much more. I couldn't help but like the guy more and more as I read.
The events around his mysterious disappearance are just as, if not more, compelling than his life before. I don't want to give anything away, but it is very intriguing.
The book itself is very engaging, and you don't have understand a lot of scientific terms to understand Diesels contribution with his new engine. It delivers well with a comfortable pace, and it did not take me very long to read. It took me about a couple weeks. That's pretty good, especially having some very small human beings demanding my attention all the time. For people who have more time on their hands, it can be read in a couple of days. I strongly recommend it.
I had no idea who Rudolf Diesel was except that he had something to do with diesel engines. Reading this book pointed out that he was much more than an inventor, so much more. I couldn't help but like the guy more and more as I read.
The events around his mysterious disappearance are just as, if not more, compelling than his life before. I don't want to give anything away, but it is very intriguing.
The book itself is very engaging, and you don't have understand a lot of scientific terms to understand Diesels contribution with his new engine. It delivers well with a comfortable pace, and it did not take me very long to read. It took me about a couple weeks. That's pretty good, especially having some very small human beings demanding my attention all the time. For people who have more time on their hands, it can be read in a couple of days. I strongly recommend it.
October 14, 2023
This is a great read, particularly for anyone interested in the history of the Industrial Revolution. I went into this thinking it would be more of a 'The Mysterious Case' and less of a history lesson. I learnt a lot about the history of steam, oil and engines, but wanted more mystery, more of a detective story. My bad. I suspect a lot of readers intrigued by the title will have a sense of being slightly misled by that with the actual intent of the book. However, if you are an avid reader of non-fiction and want to know a huge amount about the history of and impact of steam engines, oil refining and diesel in pre-war Europe and America, then this is the book for you.
January 2, 2024
A case study of life acting stranger than fiction, this chronicle will delight history AND economics AND AND mystery buffs. Brunt deserves ample commendation on tackling such a tentacled figure and period, although, at times, some of the tentacles lead to dead ends. Still, one could go a bit batty just imagining the outlining and research this story required. Recommended for the curious mind.
January 19, 2024
Wow. It took me a while to get through this book, but I am glad I took the time and finished it. I want to read more #nonfiction and this book was my first meaty history book this year.
While I learned so much about Rudolf Diesel - yes, the inventor of the Diesel engine - but I had no idea where he fit into history, and how the convergence of powers and inventions led to his mysterious death in 1913.
@douglas_brunt keeps us waiting as he reveals all the historical background, which is definitely needed to fully understand the motivations and mystery behind Diesel’s death/disappearance. Hang in there, though, because it all comes together in the last 1/4 of the book as his death is investigated.
I am now motivated to read more about Churchill and “Operation Mincemeat” and the culture of hiding truth behind a veil of lies during both World Wars.
I prefer narrative nonfiction and would have enjoyed it more if it would have been more of a “story”, but that is my only criticism of the book.
While I learned so much about Rudolf Diesel - yes, the inventor of the Diesel engine - but I had no idea where he fit into history, and how the convergence of powers and inventions led to his mysterious death in 1913.
@douglas_brunt keeps us waiting as he reveals all the historical background, which is definitely needed to fully understand the motivations and mystery behind Diesel’s death/disappearance. Hang in there, though, because it all comes together in the last 1/4 of the book as his death is investigated.
I am now motivated to read more about Churchill and “Operation Mincemeat” and the culture of hiding truth behind a veil of lies during both World Wars.
I prefer narrative nonfiction and would have enjoyed it more if it would have been more of a “story”, but that is my only criticism of the book.
April 28, 2024
I love a great bio, one that is fascinating and engaging. A huge bonus is when it’s narrated by Scott Brick.
May 5, 2024
What a fascinating biography.
While extremely well-written, the author does tend to veer off into overly-detailed context at certain points.
While extremely well-written, the author does tend to veer off into overly-detailed context at certain points.
July 11, 2023
I initially thought that this book would mainly be about the actual disappearance of Rudolf Diesel, but I would consider this more of a biography of his life. You don’t come across the actual disappearance until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Despite the title being a bit misleading, I was in shock at the name drops throughout this book that Rudolf Diesel encountered: Rockefeller, Benz, Nobel, Anheuser, Busch, Ford, Edison, etc. This is my first time reading about Rudolf Diesel and was surprised at how much I truly did not know. The author was spot on in stating that there really isn’t much out there (in English) about him, so I felt him highlighting Diesel was necessary. It gave me a great appreciation for Rudolf’s vision and hard work that he rarely gets credit for. In regards to the structure of the book, I enjoyed the graphics every once in a while to give faces to names/items and break up some of the heavy technical jargon, however the asterisked footnotes at the bottom were not my favorite. I felt like they just needed to be inserted in the actual text because I was jumping around on the pages too much and getting lost, especially when the footnote was lengthy. Thought it was a nice touch to add a timeline section at the end of the book, as it made me feel a little more clear on when events took place. I was fascinated about Rudolf Diesel’s life (personal and professional) and it is well worth the read because it’s not something I was ever taught in school or thought to research. Granted I may have had a difficult time if I tried due to the lack of options. Overall, I love a good mystery and we may never truly know what happened that day Rudolf disappeared but I enjoyed the outline of the possibilities and want to believe Rudolf and Martha lived out their lives together because their love story was something sweet that I feel you don’t hear about often during those times. #goodreadgiveaway
January 24, 2024
This book is a captivating blend of biography, historical intrigue, and technological revolution. I received it as a Christmas gift, and I was excited to read it since I was a history major in college and I honestly didn't know much about the history of Rudolf Diesel. It delves into the life and demise of the inventor who brought the world the diesel engine, forever altering the course of transportation and industry.
Brunt paints a vivid picture of pre-World War I Europe and the United States, a time of rapid technological advancements amidst rising political tensions. Diesel was not just an inventor, but someone who sought to improve lives and working conditions through his clean and efficient engine. His idealism clashes with the power struggles of the era, making his mysterious disappearance in 1913 all the more interesting. The surprise ending leaves the reader pondering the true nature of Diesel's fate.
Brunt paints a vivid picture of pre-World War I Europe and the United States, a time of rapid technological advancements amidst rising political tensions. Diesel was not just an inventor, but someone who sought to improve lives and working conditions through his clean and efficient engine. His idealism clashes with the power struggles of the era, making his mysterious disappearance in 1913 all the more interesting. The surprise ending leaves the reader pondering the true nature of Diesel's fate.
January 31, 2024
FDPLibrary | Dull, boring, dry, followed by unsupported speculative theory presented as unquestionable fact | This was not an enjoyable read. It started good, but it just ground to a halt, so determined to cram in every bit of information that could be even tangentially connected to Diesel. I really did not need biographies of every magnate who signed a contract with him for a diesel engine. Then we hit conspiracy theory land. Couldn't be suicide, because "emotionally weak" people don't make plans to do enjoyable things in the future, apparently (I guess Brunt didn't do any research on suicide, given that studies show the vast majority--generally between 60% and 87%--of attempts are impulsive, and only a minority have a plan ahead of time). Couldn't be suicide because he wasn't acting like he was preparing to die. Couldn't be murder, because murder victims don't prepare for their deaths, and here's all the ways he prepared to die. He didn't leave a note for his family so let's look at this coded note he left for his family. A soldier of fortune says that the absence of more information after the case was concluded makes it certain that it was all a lie. In the movie version of a completely unrelated but very well documented deception operation, a fictionalized version of a person in his fifties says that in his 30 years of experience he's never witnessed something, and since the scene in the movie depicts a fictionalized event that was placed 30 years after Diesel disappeared, that *must* be a secret nod to the True Story of what happened to Diesel. Brunt makes his case so badly that I think it's less possible than I would have, had I come across the theory elsewhere. In Brunt's hands it goes from "defections happen, and governments help cover for the defectors, not usually in that way, and there are some real leaps here, but I suppose it's one possibility", to "how did this dude sell this drivel to a publisher?!"
June 11, 2024
The book worked very well, not only as a biography of Rudolf Diesel and his immediate family, but also a description of the era and times he lived in. His German family had moved to Paris for a better life, his father being a craftsman while his mother was more artistically minded, and Rudolf himself was interested in science and mechanics, to the disappointment of his father. They were forced to flee France during the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, and Rudolf saw the bad side of the Industrial Revolution, with child workers being forced into unsafe factory work. He did get funds for education in Germany and did so well that he decided he would come up with his own type of engine to replace very inefficient steam power. He also looked at America and had ideas about social reform.
Growing rich and full of more modern ideas, Rudolf would in 1913 go on a ship to England, only to mysteriously disappear. A corpse that might have been his was found and lost, and Diesel was in that era very well-known. Though he supposedly committed suicide, there was the theory he had been taken to Canada by the British to work for them.
The last part of the book tries to make the case for the latter but relies on dubious hearsay and no real proof. Certainly the British could have told the world that Diesel defected and was in their employ once he was in their hands, and after over a century there would have been no reason not to tell the world the truth. (The author refers to Operation Mincemeat, where a corpse disguised as a Royal Marines officer and holding false papers was deployed off the coast of Spain to deliberately be found by German intelligence. Despite its supposed success, in reality the Germans quickly saw through the ruse, as an article in the New Yorker magazine pointed out.) This silly conspiracy theory mars an otherwise good book about Diesel and the world he lived in.
Growing rich and full of more modern ideas, Rudolf would in 1913 go on a ship to England, only to mysteriously disappear. A corpse that might have been his was found and lost, and Diesel was in that era very well-known. Though he supposedly committed suicide, there was the theory he had been taken to Canada by the British to work for them.
The last part of the book tries to make the case for the latter but relies on dubious hearsay and no real proof. Certainly the British could have told the world that Diesel defected and was in their employ once he was in their hands, and after over a century there would have been no reason not to tell the world the truth. (The author refers to Operation Mincemeat, where a corpse disguised as a Royal Marines officer and holding false papers was deployed off the coast of Spain to deliberately be found by German intelligence. Despite its supposed success, in reality the Germans quickly saw through the ruse, as an article in the New Yorker magazine pointed out.) This silly conspiracy theory mars an otherwise good book about Diesel and the world he lived in.
March 15, 2024
What a fascinating and educational read. Extreme research went into this. There is a lot of history leading up to WWI. The first half of the book is the background and family of Rudolf Diesel. Then we get into the technical and political parts. The book gets back into the mysterious disappearance of the inventor, the news reports and finally the possible “solved” explanation.
From the evidence presented I’m going to believe the authors theory.
All in all this is an entertaining yet thrilling mystery, all wrapped in one book.
Learn about: Rudolf Diesel -(the inventor of refrideration -the ice cube-and Diesel engines), John D Rockefeller, Alfred Nobel, Standard Oil, Kaiser Willhiem II, Andolphus Busch, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and much more.
From the evidence presented I’m going to believe the authors theory.
All in all this is an entertaining yet thrilling mystery, all wrapped in one book.
Learn about: Rudolf Diesel -(the inventor of refrideration -the ice cube-and Diesel engines), John D Rockefeller, Alfred Nobel, Standard Oil, Kaiser Willhiem II, Andolphus Busch, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and much more.
June 19, 2024
Was a struggle to get through this book. At many points it was as dull as a history text book and other times went down needless rabbit holes that in the end had nothing to do with the authors finale. Will not be wasting any more of my time with other books by this author. Only reason this gets higher than 1 star is at least the author seemed to do a lot of research even though the final product of it was incredibly underwhelming.
February 15, 2024
Did you know that diesel (the fuel) is actually named after the engine and the engine is named after Mr. Rudolph Diesel?
This is a great biography.
This engine might have changed the course of world power, but don’t be deceived by the cover. This is not a war story. It’s a story about the diesel engine and its creator.
This is a great biography.
This engine might have changed the course of world power, but don’t be deceived by the cover. This is not a war story. It’s a story about the diesel engine and its creator.
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