My appearance on BBC Radio to talk about the history of fireworks

It was great fun to be featured on BBC Radio 4's science programme: 'Curious Cases: Rocket Science' - talking about the origins of fireworks in Britain and the world, the chemical revolution that created the modern firework in the 19th century, rocket mail (yes. the delivery of letters by rocket) and the future challenges faced by fireworks - notably pollution and the distress they cause to animals. 

I drew heavily on my book 'A History of Fireworks from their Origins to the Present Day' (Reaktion Books).

You can catch the programme here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033yny