A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day

John Withington’s meticulous history of fireworks. – Malcolm Gaskill * London Review of Books *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. – Dan Carrier * Camden New Journal *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. – Sally McDonald * The Sunday Post, Scotland *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. – John Bennett * Fireworks Magazine *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 *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 and Secrets of the Centenarians, both also published by Reaktion Books.