The life of Rudolf Diesel invites attention. Here was a man with a brilliant achievement to his credit, a novel power plant with the potential for revolutionizing industry and transportation. The creation of the diesel engine called for both scientific insight and technical skill, and Diesel demonstrated convincingly that he possessed both. Thomas has told the Diesel story thoroughly and with understanding. - The Scientist; ""This is a finely crafted biography that goes beyond the usual limits of the genre."" - Nature.