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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
The strange prononciation of some words “dissel” (diesel) and “elimination” (illumination) grated for a while

The fascinating story of Diesel’s life and the uncovering of so much that is taken for granted these days.

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The evils of war know no bounds. Rudolf’s vision was to improve humanity for the better. What an amazing man.

A great man who should be buried in Westminster Abbey!

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I only read this due to having it recommended- I not only learned a great deal about the workings and history of the Diesel engine, I found out a lot about the underhand practices of the big oil and energy businesses. An interesting tale weaves it all together and I am a bit ashamed I’d never heard anything of the tale of the inventor of the Diesel engine… but then … that’s what they wanted. History, as they say, is written by the survivors.

A great listen - full of conspiracy

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This book is filled with lots of very interesting history. I really enjoyed the information on lots of extraordinary people which set the scene for what could have happened to Rudolph Diesel. well worth a listen.

An extremely good read

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Loved this book and learned so much more historical information than I expected by reading this. Totally recommend this book.

Historical information

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