My CBS Radio interview about 4 July and the history of fireworks

Great to be interviewed by CBS Radio about the history of fireworks for their 4 July special. My contribution comes at about 18 minutes in. The interview draws on my book 'A History of Fireworks from their Origins to the Present Day' (Reaktion Books), and we cover the mysterious origins of fireworks, how they became part of Independence Day celebrations, accidents they were involved in, and how some Americans tried to get them banned https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cbs-news-radio-independence-day-special-2025-hour-1/id1524962402?i=1000715564238

My history of fireworks - a review for July 4 in the WSJ

4 July, Independence Day, is America's biggest fireworks day, and right on cue, the 'Wall Street Journal' has reviewed my book - 'A History of Fireworks from their Origins to the Present Day' (Reaktion Books). Not all Americans have been fans of the revelry - with some complaining that more people had died celebrating independence than were killed in the battles that won it. The book tells the warts-and-all story of pyrotechnics' triumphs and tragedies across the world

https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/a-history-of-fireworks-review-the-pursuit-of-big-bangs-fc0a5023