4.0
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

An amazing book on multiple fronts:
- Introduction to one of the most brilliant minds that had remained largely unknown in spite of his creation of THE transformative diesel engine technology that impacted the industrial revolution;
- Meticulous research to identify and present incidents, documents and trivia from obscure yet authentic sources to build up the persona and life of Rudolph Diesel;
- Interconnect the leading personalities - scientists, politicians, rulers, robber barons and their entourages who helped facilitate the good and the bad decisions and activities that continue to transform the world;
- Present world history through an entirely different lens.

A 4 Star rating only because in parts the book is tedious because of both surfeit technical details and the repetitive narration of Diesel and his interlocutors' lifestyles, travels and interactions.

I am shocked by the not unexpected behaviour of men like Rockefeller and Churchill, who can and did go to any length to obliterate opposition.