The Book of Great American Firecrackers: Cherry Bombs, M-80s, Cannon Crackers, and More

It is without hesitation that I give this book a ten star review! The book simply does not disappoint. Truly a knockout, a fast and fun read which as the reader quickly finds out, is full of interesting facts and information that brings to life the full history of the American firecracker. As a lifelong lover of all things pyrotechnic, this book unveils a heretofore unknown chapter of American pyrotechnic history: The rich history of the American firecracker industry. As anyone born with the pyrotechnic "science gene" can attest, anytime a book combines history and anecdotes with an in-depth exploration of the attendant chemistry, the old thrill and fascination comes to life. You might as well be thirteen years old again scouring the tiny advertisement section of Popular Mechanics and Popular Science looking for companies that sell chemicals or fireworks. What a thrill!!Jack Nash is truly a great author and artist who just wrote a book that will forever be in my "favorite" column. Buy it, read it, enjoy it, and then add it your "favorite" book column as well. If I was young - and a loved one purchased me this book as a Christmas or birthday gift - I would have exploded with joy!

For anyone who wants to learn or collect vintage American made fireworks this is the book for you. Very informative and lots of pictures to show what was produced and made in the old days. Very good information on everything a new or seasoned collector will want to know.

This is a super publication which I find hours of enjoyment in. Great pictures and an immeasurable wealth of knowledge. I had to buy two in order to share this treasure..Super Coffee Table Reader!! Outstanding work Jack!!

Fun to look at old labels, some I remember and most not, but showed it to my father who really studied every picture and enjoyed it.

A must have for any pyrobilia collector!

This is a rather slim volume, but it's filled with some great-looking ephemera and lots of interesting information.

Fireworks aren't just used on the 4th of July. There's Memorial Day, Labor Day, Grand openings, and lots of other celebrations that are just more fun with fireworks. I never thought much about the history of fireworks and how they've changed, but obviously Jack Nash did. There is a whole lot of information in this book presented in an easy to understand way with lots of pictures.Here are the titles of the 8 chapters - and a tidbit from that chapter:1. A Brief History of the Firecracker - starting with how the Chinese stuffed bamboo with gunpowder around 10402. The Firecracker Comes to America - the settlers brought them but soon figured out how to make their own3. American Firecrackers: Types, Sizes, and Innovations - Cherry bombs made here first4. Firecrackers and the American Industrial Revolution - up until this time they were all made by hand5. Thomas G. Hitt: America's Firecracker Genius - actually born in London [LOL]6. Great American Firecracker Collectibles Identification and Value Guide - 15 pages of color pictures with approximate prices7. Factory Disasters: The Biggest Bangs of All - a job there was known to be dangerous, but they paid good and always had workers.8. Great American Firecracker Tales - laws were passed, but some people still do stupid thingsIf you have a pyromaniac at your house [I have 2!], a fan of fireworks, or just a history buff check out this book. You can learn, laugh, and lament at the same time.Published by Schiffer Publishing. This book was sent to me for a book review. The words are fully my own.

I'm a bit taken aback by the venom of the other reviewer... It almost seems like he has a personal issue with the author, and seems genuinely angered simply from reading a book. He doesn't reference specifics and has judged the work on his opinion of what the best and worst sources should be. I'm curious as to what he's written on the matter- my guess is nothing. I found Jack's other book on fireworks to be quite entertaining and well structured. I'm very excited about reading his latest effort. The other reviewer should maybe skip reading books if he's going to get this personally upset.