The Nobel Family

The Nobel family’s journey intertwines personal ambition with historical events, showcasing their rise in industry and the challenges they faced during the 1917 Revolution. The Nobel Family reveals their legacy.

This captivating collective biography delves into the lives of the Nobel family, revealing how their personal and professional endeavors were intricately linked to the broader histories of Sweden and Russia. The narrative explores the economic and entrepreneurial evolution of Europe during the long 19th century, highlighting the significant impact the Nobels had on various industries, particularly in Russia. While many associate the Nobel name primarily with the prestigious Nobel Prize, it is essential to recognize that Alfred Nobel was just one of many remarkable family members.

The Nobels migrated from Sweden to Russia in the 1830s, establishing one of the largest machine factories in the country and laying the groundwork for the Russian oil industry. Author Bengt Jangfeldt utilizes an extensive collection of family letters and documents, many of which are shared for the first time, to craft an engaging and authoritative multi-generational chronicle of their exploits. The narrative emphasizes the contributions of Immanuel Nobel, the family patriarch, whose diverse talents as an architect, inventor, and engineer set the stage for their financial success amid Russia's industrial growth.

As the story unfolds, it details how Immanuel's sons, Robert and Ludvig, along with grandson Emanuel, expanded the family's industrial empire, promoting progressive ideals in worker welfare and charity. However, the 1917 Revolution drastically altered their fortunes, forcing the family to flee Russia after decades of influence. The Nobel Family ultimately presents a tale of brilliance, resilience, and the enduring importance of family amidst turbulent historical changes.