The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I

Does Brunt sufficiently disprove the three alternative theories regarding Diesel’s fate? Why or why not?

How did Diesel’s childhood experiences affect his future career ambitions?

Brunt argues that Diesel saw himself as an engineer and social theorist. How effectively did Diesel balance these potentially contradictory interests?

Examine the intended aims and eventual uses of Diesel’s engine. Did Diesel sell out his early idealism for material success? Why or why not?

How does John D. Rockefeller’s life contextualize the book? How did the choices he made impact Diesel and how did Diesel’s choices impact Rockefeller?

How did the invention of the diesel engine affect the balance of political and military power in early 20th-century Europe?

Consider the juxtaposition between internationalism and nationalism in the book. How did Diesel’s desire for global cooperation conflict with the imperialist ambitions of the countries where he worked? How was it supported by them?

How did industrialization impact the national and military policies of European nations?