The Practical Pyromaniac: Build Fire Tornadoes, One-Candlepower Engines, Great Balls of Fire, and More Incendiary Devices

by William Gurstelle

The Practical Pyromaniac combines science, history, and DIY pyrotechnics to explain humankind’s most useful and paradoxical fire. William Gurstelle, author of the bestselling Backyard Ballistics and frequent contributor to Popular Mechanics and Make magazine, presents 25 projects with instructions, diagrams, photos, and links to video demonstrations that enable people of all ages (including young enthusiasts with proper supervision) to explore and safely play with fire. From Franklin’s stove to Diesel’s engine, Gurstelle tells the explosive and fascinating tales of the great American and European pyromaniacs who scientifically revealed the mysteries of fire. Among them are hot-headed "Gunpowder" Joseph Priestley, who discovered oxygen, and Antoine Lavoisier, the father of chemistry who lost his head on the guillotine, as well as scientist and spy Count Rumford and dapper Humphrey Davy whose chemical discoveries and fiery inventions saved thousands of lives. With The Practical Pyromaniac in hand readers can replicate these breakthrough scientists’ experiments and inventions, from the simply fascinating one-candle-power engine to the nearly magical fire piston and from a practical backpacker stove to an incredible tornado of fire.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Practical Pyromaniac is a quick look at the history of human scientific interaction with fire -- our understanding of its nature and harnessing of its power -- as well as a how-to guide to experiments that help illustrate the nature of fire.

I was looking forward to the experiments, but ended up a little bit disappointed. I understand the limits of what can be done at home with only a short description from a book, but some of the experiments felt absolutely unnecessary. The title and description of the book are quite dramatic; perhaps I would have been more satisfied if I had been expecting more experiments that help analyze physical properties of fire.

I did enjoy the short description of the history of how human understanding of fire developed. None of them are comprehensive, but they're enjoyable to read.

Ultimately, I did enjoy the book overall, but I think the way it is marketed is doing it a disservice.

[Dana Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars. I really wish I'd read this in undergrad. Even if you aren't going to build any of the apparatuses described in the book (definitely not okay in fire-plagued California), the relevant history makes for a great read.

[Larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have bought so many copies of this for friends with kids.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOO HOOOOOOO!!!!
This book is great!
If you are looking at this book you already know what it is.
So decide do you want the book to have it sitting on the book shelf.
Fireballs and crazy stuff.
other then the fact it feels like it is burner prep I liked it.

[Smellsofbikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome, with some really great projects. I wish it had about 120% more danger but some of the designs in here are so spectacular I can't actually be upset by the conservative designs.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Gurstelle is the science teacher I never had. He could have changed my life.

Fascinating combination of history, science and fun.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good history of the science and inventions of fire. Nice mix of projects, some very simple and useful in everyday situations, some pretty exotic and interesting.

[James Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly DIY - a little too much for my taste. I am going to give it to my friend with a shop.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I am too much of a coward to try the flamethrower, the science seems sound and the title seems awesome.

[BBFlyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting walk through the history of fire with practical examples.