Beyond the Book-The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

This program is in partnership with the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum.  

Dive into your next read with The Whaling Museum’s Beyond the Book Club. We hand select texts that explore stories and history related to the museum’s collection for a truly unique experience.  Look up-close at artifacts that enhance discussions around the monthly read. Participants may read up on a related topic to join the conversation. Enjoy light snacks and drinks while you chat. Books are available at the Circulation Desk of the Library. Please note: this program will take place at the Whaling Museum.

Register here!

The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, And Deception on the Eve of World War I by Douglas Brunt - On September 29, 1913, the steamship Dresden departed Antwerp harbor for England with one of the most famous men in the world on board: Rudolf Diesel, whose new engine was on the verge of revolutionizing global industry. Diesel would never reach his destination, mysteriously vanishing later that night. Was his disappearance an accident? Suicide? Murder? Brunt’s book reexamines this mystery within the context of a world in which fortunes are made and wars are waged over the fuels we use to power our way of life. From whale oil to solar power we'll discuss the history of energy and ongoing struggles to find new sources of power.