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The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I

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The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

By: Douglas Brunt
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

 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 men: 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). Europe Historical Military War Western Europe Funny Imperialism Submarine England

Critic Reviews

"Narrator Scott Brick brings energy and emotion to his reading of novelist Brunt’s (Trophy Son) nonfiction debut, positing a surprising explanation for Diesel’s disappearance. Brick ably conveys the wealth of historical details and previously unknown information while adding a note of intrigue and momentum to the mystery." (Joanna M. Burkhardt)
"Scott Brick narrates this biography of Rudolf Diesel magnificently...his intonation, pacing, and understated inflection are all excellent, making this a captivating production."
All stars
Most relevant
This book should probably be part of a school syllabus in history. Kids might actually learn something useful for a change.

Educational

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I learned so much history listening to this story. Not just about the importance of Diesel, but the other actors, inventions and how they all influenced WW1 and industry as we know it. And I'm grateful for my diesel engine car!

Great biography of an important historical figure.

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