The Nobel Family: Swedish Geniuses in Tsarist Russia

The Nobel family's collective biography reveals how their business and personal lives were intertwined with the histories of Sweden, Russia, and Europe in the 19th century. Alfred Nobel was just one of a family of gifted individuals who ran one of Russia's biggest machine factories and founded the Russian oil industry. Bengt Jangfeldt's book uses thousands of family letters and documents to chart the family's exploits, from their financial success to their escape from Russia during the Revolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating collective biography delves into the intricate connections between the Nobel family's business and personal lives, intricately woven with the histories of Sweden, Russia, and the economic and entrepreneurial development of Europe during the long 19th century. While the name Nobel is predominantly associated with the prestigious Nobel Prize, it is important to recognize that the Nobel family consisted of a remarkable constellation of gifted individuals. The Nobels, who relocated from Sweden to Russia in the 1830s, played a pivotal role in the industrial and economic landscape of both countries. They established one of Russia's largest machine factories and played a significant role in pioneering the Russian oil industry. Through the use of thousands of family letters and other previously unpublished documents, Bengt Jangfeldt presents a captivating and authoritative multi-generational chronicle that charts the family's exploits.

The author begins by delving into the life of Immanuel Nobel, a polymath architect, inventor, and engineer, who played a pivotal role in setting the family on a path to financial success amidst the backdrop of imperial Russian industrial growth. He recounts the story of how Immanuel's sons, Robert and Ludvig, and his grandson, Emanuel, developed the family business into a powerful industrial empire with a progressive agenda in the fields of workers' welfare, profit-sharing, and charity. The Nobels' commitment to social responsibility and their innovative business practices set them apart and contributed to their success.

However, the family's fortunes were tested when the Revolution of 1917 struck, sweeping away their industrial empire and their immense personal wealth in a single moment. Faced with the imminent threat of persecution, the Nobels had no choice but to flee the country where they had been active for 80 years and return to Sweden. This period marked a time of immense change in Russia and throughout Europe, and the story of the Nobels stands out as one of both brilliance and resilience, with the family firmly at its heart.

Despite the challenges they faced, the Nobels continued to make significant contributions to society. Emanuel Nobel, in particular, used his wealth and influence to promote peace and humanitarian causes, establishing the Nobel Foundation and awarding the Nobel Peace Prize. The family's legacy continues to inspire and influence individuals and organizations around the world, reminding us of the power of entrepreneurship, social responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence.

In conclusion, this collective biography of the Nobel family offers a profound insight into the intricate connections between business, personal lives, and the broader historical context of the 19th century. It sheds light on the remarkable achievements and resilience of the Nobel family, reminding us of the enduring impact of individuals and families on the world stage. The Nobels' story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, innovation, and social responsibility, and their legacy continues to inspire and influence generations to come.

Weight: 814g
Dimension: 241 x 168 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350348912