The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

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This instant New York Times bestseller uncovers the hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, a pioneering inventor, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. On September 29, 1913, the steamship Dresden is en route between Belgium and England, carrying Diesel, whose revolutionary internal combustion engine is set to transform global industry. However, Diesel vanishes during the night, prompting worldwide speculation about whether he met with an accident, took his own life, or was murdered. Rising from a poor European upbringing, Diesel became a millionaire with an engine that didn't rely on expensive petroleum. This made him a celebrity and a target for powerful figures like Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil. The Kaiser sought Diesel’s engine to enhance Germany's naval capabilities, while Diesel envisioned it as a tool for global improvement. Author Douglas Brunt revisits this case, offering a gripping new perspective on Diesel’s fate. His narrative combines elements of biography and mystery, revealing the complexities surrounding one of the 20th century's most intriguing disappearances.