My Fireworks History: a talk and a quote

Great fun to give a talk to the CSNA, Camden Square Neighbourhood Association, in London last night about my book 'A History of Fireworks' (Reaktion). Told the story of their origins, the ambivalent attitude to the authorities in the UK to Bonfire Night, and in the USA to 4 July, how the technology changed, and their place in art, literature and music, their effect on animals, and much more. Good audience with interesting questions.

Meanwhile, the book's also been quoted in this Encyclopaedia Britannica article https://www.britannica.com/procon/fireworks-debate

Fireworks: illuminating their mysterious history

Looking forward to talking online about my book A History of Fireworks. From their Origins to the Present Day (Reaktion Books) to the Boundless organisation for civil servants past and present on 11 November. 

I'm going to be talking about their mysterious origins in ancient China and the possibility that they were a by-product of the search for eternal life, how warfare played an important part in their development, how the pope became a major sponsor of displays in Europe, and how their first known appearance in Britain was at an event designed to put an end to the enmities of a 30 years civil war. 

Then there will be the story of how 5 November, Bonfire Night, became a focus for disorder and anti-government protests, how British fireworks conquered the world in Queen Victoria's time, and how they featured at the centre of one of Britain's most famous libel cases involving one of Britain's most celebrated artists.

I will reveal the technological breakthroughs that have transformed fireworks and displays, describe how they have inspired music and literature, reminisce over the rise and fall of famous British manufacturers, and examine the challenges fireworks now face from worries about the environment and the effect they have on animals.

Scroll down this web page to find out more https://www.boundless.co.uk/news-competitions/lifestyle/meet-the-online-storytellers

Can fireworks change the weather? A new look at my new book

Can fireworks change the weather? When and where did they begin? When was Britain's first display? How did 5 November become a date that it was compulsory by law to celebrate but also a focus for anti-establishment disorder? What role has London played in the history of fireworks? How did an Islington fireworks disaster make history? These are some of the questions explored by Dan Carrier in his 'Islington Tribune' article on my new book 'A History of Fireworks from their Origins to the Present Day' (Reaktion Books)

https://www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/rocket-man

Fireworks: my new book and the Dorset dimension

My new book A History of Fireworks from their Origins to the Present Day (Reaktion Books) is out! 

https://reaktionbooks.co.uk/work/a-history-of-fireworks-from-their-origins-to-the-present-day

The Dorset Echo has written a nice piece about it, pointing out that Dorchester, described in the 17th century as 'the most puritan town in England', was probably one of the first places to celebrate 5 November with fireworks. Bonfire Night, of course, marks the failure of Guy Fawkes' Catholic plot in 1605 to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

The Echo also reports that by 1632 local constables were having to arrest apprentices who had been overdoing the celebrations. 

This illustrates the authorities' dilemma over 5 November. Until 1859, it was compulsory by law to celebrate the day, but it often led to disorder. In the late 19th century, Dorchester was one of a number of places that tried to tame the occasion by putting on official, publicly financed, events.

Then there is the story of the failed attempt to set a world record for firing off rockets at Bournemouth in 2009.

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24471253.history-fireworks-book-sheds-light-dorsets-past/