Robert Bosch

Robert Bosch (1861 - 1942) was one of the most successful German entrepreneurs and philanthropists of the 20th century and, at the same time, a pioneer of the social market economy. This book presents a comprehensive and impressive biography of a visionary who thought far ahead of his time like almost no other. Peter Theiner follows the traces of this trailblazer of modernity who founded a global company. 1886, Robert Bosch opened his Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik, today's Robert Bosch GmbH, in a modest rear building. Pioneering innovations for motorized vehicles emerged from the young company, and Bosch was quickly able to point to tremendous international successes as an industrialist. Today, his name represents the rise of motor vehicles and electricity in the home. In addition, he also had an impact as a benefactor and philanthropist with a well-developed political profile and a strong sense of social responsibility. In a time of wars and upheaval, in an age of extremes, Bosch positioned himself as a staunch Democrat who cut against the grain of German history.

Peter Theiner was Director of the department for the «History of Philanthropy» at the Robert Bosch Foundation until 2016.