Fireworks: The Art, Science, and Technique

by Takeo Shimizu

From the Preface of the Third The purpose of this work is to help beginners who are professionally engaged in manufacture or planning fireworks in factories. I have laid emphasis on three points, the creation of beauty, the nature of materials and safety control. Part 1 contains a brief history of fireworks in Japan, mainly according to researches of Y.Sakenobe and Dr.H.Nambo. Part 2 describes firework art, for this art is the soul of fireworks. My hope is that readers might study the subject more deeply so that fireworks might be more attractive. Part 3 concerns the science of fireworks. This is not from an aesthetic standpoint but rather basic knowledge which is indispensable for producing fireworks. Part 4 concerns pyrotechnics; in this part I have assigned many pages for the description of firework materials following the requests of readers of my former work. But I am afraid that there may be some gaps due to lack of experience and knowledge. I have tried to modify firework compositions a little according to recent work by S.Lancaster. Part 5 is concerned with safety control based on our empirical laws. This work is primary a practical one, and the description of theory has been kept as simple as possible. This is to meet the need of my former readers.

344 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Daniel Augusto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shimizu's book is the scientific foundation for all fireworks. It's an older book, but it remains completely relevant today and is heavily referenced in the field. Modern books, like the ones by Conkling, rely heavily on Shimizu's analysis-they're basically adapting his core work into a more updated format.

[Diesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good