Contents -

1. The History of Fireworks -

2. Firework Material -

3. General Pyrotechnic Principles -

4. Mixing and Charging -

5. Containers -

6. Stars -

7. Colored Fires, Bengals, Lances, Portfires, Torches -

8. Roman Candles, Comets, Mines -

9. Noisemakers -

10. Rockets -

11. Drivers, Saxons, Tourbillions -

12. Shells -

13. Gerbs, Foundations, Rains, Squibs, Cones -

14. Pinwheels and Crackers -

15. Indoor Fireworks -

16. Fuses, Quickmatch -

17. Smoke -

18. Exhibition Fireworks -

19. The Manufacturing Processes for Firework Compositions -

Reference -

Index -

Contents -
1. The History of Fireworks 1 -
2. Firework Materials 25 -
3. General Pyrotechnic Principles 53 -
4. Mixing and Charging 63 -
5. Containers 75 -
6. Stars 85 -
7. Colored Fires, Bengals, Lances, Portfires, Torches 97
8. Roman Candles, Comets, Mines 109 -
9. Noisemakers 119 -
10. Rockets 125 -
11. Drivers, Saxons, Tourbillions 135 -
12. Shells 143 -
13. Gerbs, Fountains, Rains, Squibs, Cones 159 -
14. Pinwheels and Crackers 167 -
15. Indoor Fireworks 173 -
16. Fuses, Quickmatch 181 -
17. Smoke 187 -
18. Exhibition Fireworks 193 -
19. The Manufacturing Processes of Firework Composition 205 -
References 269 -
Index 271 -

All the chapters from the previous edition have been revised and enlarged to include in most cases new fireworks formats. Four new chapters have been added to this third edition: in a new chapter, Chemistry of Fireworks Compositions, Dr Takeo Shimizu examines the use of materials and binders in the manufacturing process and how to control reactions. The chapter on Fireworks Displays, examines the evolution of displays and modern uses throughout the world. The new chapter on Gunpowder deals with its uses since ancient times to date. The legislative framework for fireworks control in Great Britain, United States, Canada and the European Union are discussed in the new Legislation chapter. In addition, this third edition includes a glossary with more than three hundred fireworks terms and numerous photographs, some from the historical archives of the Brocks Fireworks.