A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day
Reaktion Books, 2024
Cloth: 978-1-78914-935-7 | eISBN: 978-1-78914-974-6
See other books on: Fireworks | Present Day | Social History | Their Origins | Withington, John
See other titles from Reaktion Books
Cloth: 978-1-78914-935-7 | eISBN: 978-1-78914-974-6
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
ABOUT THIS BOOK
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.
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.
See other books on: Fireworks | Present Day | Social History | Their Origins | Withington, John
See other titles from Reaktion Books
