I have worked for a Cummins Engine distributor for over 37 years. This book is a very accurate account of the pains and success' of where Cummins Inc. is today. Leaders within their industry. They are a company dedicated to one thing and one thing only. "Diesel Engines". I would highly reccomend to anyone interested in the history of this company, "as a must read". Lyle's style of narrating his Father's times and developing the Cummins engine is not only interesting, but extreamly accurate. I am pleased to have been involved with this fine Company.

Did you know that Diesel-powered cars once competed in the Indy 500? This is only one of many interesting historical events presented in The Diesel Odyssey of Clessie Cummins. The book tells three storys simultaneously: 1) the life story of inventor Clessie Cummins, 2) the early history of the Cummins Engine Co., and 3) the birth of the automotive (truck) diesel engine industry. It does all three of these tasks very well. The author has done an exceptional job of supporting the facts and dates in the book with detailed annotations and references to his sources. The author writes from the unique vantage point of the subject's son. The book details Clessie's personal experiences as a gifted genious of diesel engineering, and his struggle to both produce and and market his innovative products. This book is "must" reading for anyone interested in the history of Cumins Engine Co. and the diesel engine industry in general. This book is pleasnt reading with many comical asides. The story will be enjoyed even by those with no kowledege (or interest in) the technical aspect of diesel engines. It is an excellent tale of early American engenuity and entrepreneurship

This is one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading. I have shared this book with friends and relatives, people and the reports have been unanimous - an excellent read!

Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 1994jun CHOICE. // The diesel was the first engine developed from scientific theory rather than from utilizing technology. Cummins uses Diesel's own design and test notebooks, original sources in the archives of early manufacturers, and the personal records of many of the engine's innovators to interweave Rudolf Diesel's life and ideas with the people and events contributing to the early development of his engine. (There is no comparable work available in English.) Cummins describes three overlapping phases: development and tests up to 1897 when efficient operation was first achieved; further development by licensees and competitors (in both Europe and the US) centered around the expiration of Diesel's original patent in 1907; and applications to ships, submarines, and locomotives through 1918. The book's emphasis is on technology rather than social impact. The evidence, including excellent chapter notes and hundreds of contemporary drawings and photographs of early engines, supports Diesel's controversial claim as the true inventor of the engine. Because of the complexity of the material, some sections may be too technical for general readers. Highly recommended for library collections in the history of technology, mechanical engineering design, and operating engineering/mechanical engineering technology. Community college; upper-division undergraduate; faculty; pre-professional; professional. -- G. E. Herrick, Maine Maritime Academy

ALL BOOKS CONCERNING THE DIESEL ENGINES UP TO 1918 PUBLISHED IN EUROPE ,MOST OF THEM IN GERMAN WHERE THE DIESEL WAS INVENTED,BROUGHT TOGETHER IN ONE COMPLETE REVIEUW ADDING THE AMERICAN ENGINES. THE BOOK IS ACCURATE,GOOD TO UNDERSTAN.EXCELLENT DRAWINGS+PICTURES.AND A FINE LAY OUT SO WHEN YOU GOT THIS BOOK YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY ALL THE OTHERS FOR HAVING A GOOD IDEE OF AN ENGINE WE CAN CALL IT A MUST AND COLLECTORS ITEM FOR DIESEL ENGINEERS TOGETHER WITH THE FAMOUS PUBLICATION FROM *JHON LAMB* THE RUNNING A MAINTENACE OF MARINE DIESEL ENGINES COMMENTS ARE BASED ON MY JOB FUNCTION AS A Sr. Marine Engineer