A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day - by John Withington (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Bursting with images from across time, a sparkling chronicle of rockets, pinwheels, and more.

This book illuminates the glittering history of fireworks, from their mysterious beginnings to the dazzling big-budget displays of today. It describes how they enthralled the world's royal courts and became a sensation across the British Empire. There are stories of innovations like "living fireworks," fiercely fought international competitions, and the technology behind modern showpieces viewed by millions. Practitioners say fireworks are an art, and they have inspired artists from Shakespeare, Handel, Dickens, and Whistler to Katy Perry. But John Withington also covers fireworks' practical uses--rescues at sea, attempts to control the weather--while not ignoring their dangers, accidents, or efforts to make them safer.

Review Quotes

"There is, as Withington observes, a 'mystery and awe surrounding fireworks' that encourages people to transcend their surroundings and meditate on otherworldly possibilities. Pyrotechnics, it would seem, are stronger than hypnosis and stranger than sorcery. . . . [A] compendious examination of the rockets, flares, squibs and bangers that illuminate our skies to dazzling effect. . . . Though the author diligently explains the mechanics behind explosive devices of various shapes, sizes and colors, he is equally interested in the broader social and cultural implications of pyrotechnic shows."--Donna Sanders "The Wall Street Journal"

"Withington expands the reader's vocabulary--marrons, peonies, carnations, squibs, lancework--along with their perception of the purposes of fireworks, including news reporting, theatre, displays of colonial power, and attempts at island postal delivery. This is a meticulous, extremely detailed account of how fireworks have been produced and deployed since the early Chinese firecrackers that exploited the naturally explosive properties of bamboo. There is sufficient chemistry throughout that the reader might attempt to produce some of their own, as did ordinary people in their own homes throughout history, often with disastrous consequences."-- "Leonardo"

"[A] meticulous history. . . . The joy of fireworks surely predates the written record."-- "London Review of Books"

"Vignettes fizz and sparkle across the pages of Withington's latest book. . . . This comprehensive tome lights up a fascinating topic, and understanding the history of fireworks adds to the joy of watching a night sky light up."-- "Camden New Journal"

"It can safely be claimed that this work is the most comprehensive in subject coverage and, of course, most up to date. . . . It will be welcomed as a valuable addition to the firework enthusiast's library and does much more than bring that seminal work up to date. It is clearly the result of diligent and thorough research."-- "Fireworks"

"They have inspired writers and artists from William Shakespeare to Katy Perry and are at the epicentre of celebrations around the world. Here, author Withington tells . . . about the history of fireworks and how they exploded onto the scene."-- "Sunday Post, Scotland"

"Withington's history of fireworks around the world from ancient times to the present is a sparkling pyrotechnic panorama and an essential contribution, ranging much wider than previous works."--Simon Werrett, professor of the history of science, University College London, and author of "Fireworks: Pyrotechnic Arts and Sciences in European History"

"Withington's A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day wraps meticulous research in a compulsively readable narrative. He captures in fascinating detail the rich, complex history of fireworks. He also offers readers a taste of the awe that's at the heart of this most fleeting form of human art and artifice. A diverting and informative book. Read it."--Jack Kelly, author of "Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics"

About the Author

John Withington is an award-winning television journalist, based in London. His books include Assassins' Deeds and Secrets of the Centenarians, both also published by Reaktion Books.