{"product_id":"a-history-of-fireworks-from-their-origins-to-the-present-day-9781789149357","title":"A History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day","description":"\u003cb\u003eBursting with images from across time, a sparkling chronicle of rockets, pinwheels, and more.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e This book illuminates the glittering history of fireworks, from their mysterious beginnings to the dazzling big-budget displays of today. It describes how they enthralled the world's royal courts and became a sensation across the British Empire. There are stories of innovations like \"living fireworks,\" fiercely fought international competitions, and the technology behind modern showpieces viewed by millions. Practitioners say fireworks are an art, and they have inspired artists from Shakespeare, Handel, Dickens, and Whistler to Katy Perry. But John Withington also covers fireworks' practical uses--rescues at sea, attempts to control the weather--while not ignoring their dangers, accidents, or efforts to make them safer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eJohn Withington\u003c\/b\u003e is an award-winning television journalist, based in London. His books include \u003ci\u003eAssassins' Deeds\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSecrets of the Centenarians\u003c\/i\u003e, both also published by Reaktion Books.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Reaktion Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50901256896786,"sku":"9781789149357","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e6d3f380-a5ed-4f1e-97b0-463571f44ef6.jpg?v=1738418873","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/a-history-of-fireworks-from-their-origins-to-the-present-day-9781789149357","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}