The Preparatory Manual of Black Powder and Pyrotechnics is a new Handbook discussing the world's most commonly used pyrotechnic compositions. The book contains multiple sections dividing the area of pyrotechnics into various levels. Black Powder is the first level, followed by High Performance rocket propellants and gun propellants, then followed by General pyrotechnic compositions. Specialty and Experimental compositions take up the rear, followed by Fireworks. All compositions are discussed in great detail with complete processes for manufacture. The book discusses a total of 1187 pyrotechnic compositions ranging from black powder compositions, to fireworks, to high performance gun propellants, rocket propellants, incendiary agents, smoke producing mixtures, to specialty compositions including cloud seeding compositions, welding compositions, matches, priming compositions, and experimental compositions, all with a variety of uses, and methods of production
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By Susan Rubin
Oct 15, 2009
"Preparatory Manual of Black Powder and Pyrotechnics" The author has in the past published a well known volume on explosive materials. The issue that is most outstanding is the lack of documentaion regarding source material (patents). In the past the patents were either mostly incorrect or non-existent. In this volume there are several consistent safety issues that go unaddressed. In the production of pyrotechnic materials, safety in manufacture is as important as the "resipe" itself. Do not expect too much in the way of manufaturing expertise here. Some of the production techniques will result is exposure to possible serious accident. That being said, the volume has a great deal of information in it for one who has a background in energetic materials and simply wants resipes in quantity. Anyone foolish enough to attenpt making some of the materials described in the book without a very solid background in the MANUFACTURING process of energetic materials will find... More > themselves exposed to a dangerous situation in short order! A dangerous book for someone beginning a pyrotechnic hobby. A fun book for those who have need for resipes (although the sources are once again unclear).< Less
"Re: Preparatory Manual of Black Powder and Pyrotechnics" Having read the Version 1.4 revision (and admittedly not having seen prior editions), breifly scanning the book I can't recall reading anything that would make me wince or get in a flap. As the previous reviewer notes, I would consider many of the compositions listed only to be attempted by those who have a solid background in the field. However, as a source of information and inspiration, not to mention the sheer bulk of the mixtures available, it can't be faulted; especially at this price. P.S. The front cover would benefit from an update.
