A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Withington, John.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (0 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

London : Reaktion Books, Limited, 2024.

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

Introduction

1. From Origins to Guy Fawkes

2. From Guy Fawkes to an Explosion of Colour

3. From the Coming of Colour to Electrical Firing

4. Bigger, Brighter, Louder: Electricity, Electronics and Computers

5. Accidents, Disasters, Rules and Regulations

6. Fireworks in the Arts

7. Use, Not Ornament

References

Bibliography

Acknowledgements

Photo Acknowledgements

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Other Format:

Print version: Withington, John A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day

ISBN:

9781789149746

OCLC:

1443762201