52 pages • 1 hour read
Douglas BruntA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
In 1913, Rudolf Diesel, a renowned inventor of the internal combustion engine, disappeared mysteriously aboard the SS Dresden, sparking speculation about his fate, including assassination rumors. Despite extensive investigations, his true end remains unknown, leading to theories ranging from suicide to defection to England and connections with notable figures like John D. Rockefeller and Kaiser Wilhelm II. The book includes descriptions of domestic violence, death by suicide, and suicidal ideation, as well as references to racism, xenophobia, nationalism, and misogyny.
Douglas Brunt's The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel offers a compelling mix of historical intrigue and thorough research. Positively, the book is praised for its engaging narrative and meticulous detail that brings Diesel's story to vivid life. However, some reviewers feel the pacing occasionally lags and some technical explanations are dense. Overall, it's a riveting read for history enthusiasts.
Readers who enjoy The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel by Douglas Brunt are captivated by historical mysteries and technological intrigue, much like fans of Erik Larson's Devil in the White City. They appreciate meticulously researched plots that blend biography, historical events, and suspense, offering fresh insights into industrial pioneers.
Recommended
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Biography
Military / War
Science / Nature
History: European
WWI / World War I
Life/Time: Mortality & Death
Life/Time: The Past
Relationships: Teams