Fireworks are synonymous with celebration in the twenty-first century. But pyrotechnics - in the form of rockets, crackers, wheels, and bombs - have exploded in sparks and noise to delight audiences in Europe ever since the Renaissance. Here, Simon Werrett shows that, far from being only a means of entertainment, fireworks helped foster advances in natural philosophy, chemistry, mathematics, and many other branches of the sciences. "Fireworks" brings to vibrant life the many artful practices of pyrotechnicians, as well as the elegant compositions of the architects, poets, painters, and musicians they inspired. At the same time, it uncovers the dynamic relationships that developed among the many artists and scientists who produced pyrotechnics. In so doing, the book demonstrates the critical role that pyrotechnics played in the development of physics, astronomy, chemistry and physiology, meteorology, and electrical science. Richly illustrated and drawing on a wide range of new sources, "Fireworks" takes readers back to a world where pyrotechnics were both divine and magical and reveals for the first time their vital contribution to the modernization of European ideas.

About the Author
Simon Werrett is associate professor in the Department of History at the University of Washington.

Reviews
"An excellent book. Fireworks benefits from the tremendous temporal, geographic, linguistic, and archival scope of Werrett's research. It will make a real contribution to the history of art, science, technology, and early modern Europe, not just separately but together." - Michael D. Gordin, Princeton University.



Book Information
ISBN 9780226893778
Author Simon Werrett
Format Hardback
Page Count 376
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 680g
Dimensions(mm) 23mm * 16mm * 3mm