A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day
John WithingtonAn illumination of the glittering history of fireworks.
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 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.
An illumination of the glittering history of fireworks.
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 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.
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John Withington’s meticulous history of fireworks.
'London Review of Books
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Vignettes fizz and sparkle across the pages of John 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
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They have inspired writers and artists from William Shakespeare to Katy Perry and are at the epicentre of celebrations around the world. Here, author John Withington [writes] about the history of fireworks and how they exploded onto the scene.
'The Sunday Post, Scotland
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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 Magazine
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John 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
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John 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
John Withington is an award-winning television journalist, based in London. His books include Assassins’ Deeds (2020) and Secrets of the Centenarians (2017), both published by Reaktion Books.
