Robert Jesenik-The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

Author of Book: Douglas Brunt
Date Read: January 23, 2025

Book Report

Title: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

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

Author: Douglas Brunt
NY Time’s Best Selling Author

Date: January 23, 2025

A dear friend of mine since 3rd grade sent me this book, probably one of my Top 3 non fiction favorites since being here at FCI Lompoc II. Different topic, but similar in story telling of the real life event in “Boys in the Boat”, one of my other favorites.

The book was incredibly well researched, yet told in a fascinating and interesting story kind of way. Rudolf Diesel, as the name implies, was a very famous inventor at the time, late 1800’s to early 1900’s, when he vanished and for several years thereafter. This time frame was in the middle of a lot of history, from John D Rockefeller and Standard Oil, to Henry Ford and Ford Motor, to the world shifting from steam powered engines to combustion engines, Thomas Edison inventing light bulbs and much more! Truly a fascinating time.

In the 1890’s, Rudolf finally invented and patent protected a “Diesel” engine, that was internal combustion, easy to start/ignite, and didn’t require oil as a fuel. The social, commercial, military, and the geo political issues arising from the engine technology are discussed through out the book, and the author really does an excellent job explaining them in an understanding way.

From a military perspective, this was all about competing Navy’s converting steam engine warships to diesel for first mover advantage, inventing diesel powered submarines that could actually fire missiles and take out ships, and Diesel’s loyalty to which country to help make their Navy most successful. Similar issues on the commercial front, with trucks, cars,train engines and so forth. And in multiple countries, from England, to U.S., Germany and France, Canada and more.

I appreciated the author’s research into Diesel’s family, friends, business partners, and the many stories and tales he discovered and shared. Really helped me appreciate Rudolf Diesel the person,and set the stage for his disappearance /death. The debate was whether he:

– committed suicide jumping from a ferry from Belgium to England

– died as John D Rockefeller had him killed to eliminate any threat to the gasoline engine success he so desperately needed to maximize all his oil resources

– died as King Wilhelm II of Germany had him killed so he wouldn’t help Germany’s enemies, namely England, commercialize the diesel technology.

The author has his own conclusions which you will discover reading this book!

Suffice it to say, over 100 years later, the diesel engine is the engine of choice for trucking, ships, trains, generators farming equipment and so much more. He truly was a genius/inventor on the level of Thomas Edison(he also invented the ice cube, a long story:)), and these industries are a testament to his genius.

My take away, both for while I’m in here and when I get out, is how he is an example of hardwork, passion, caring about others, recognizing the importance of family, all things that drive me now and will when I get out as well!