Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics : The History of the Explosive That Changed the World

As a formally educated chemist who as a child began his interest in Chemistry by making black powder in his backyard, and what kid didn't in the 1950's, I found this book fascinating. We learn in class the chemistry of black powder, the "powder" but not the history so accurately told. Kelly dismisses Western invention and proves beyond doubt that the Chinese did invent, develop and use it in war, not just fireworks as the West prejudicially believed. He delves into the difficulty of production from raw material sourcing to danger of explosion in manufacturing. He related the combined technologies of powder power and canon metallurgy to each other in a very interesting and historical way.Finally, he concludes with modern 'smokeless' powders briefly ending the reign of black powder.A must read for those interested in the history of technology, warfare, and even America itself as it was superior quality French powder obtained by the colonies which actually defeated the English with superior quantity of poorer powder. All thanks to Lavoisier who lost his head in the French Revolution. In this regard, Kelly proves the case that we in America ought to honor the the Father of Modern Chemistry, Lavoisier, rather than General Lafayette, the military man, for helping found our country.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. A pleasure to read, and full of interesting stories and facts about the invention, evolution and technological progress of gunpowder and weapons, as well fireworks and nonmilitary uses of explosives. Concludes with a fine summary of the development of nitroglycerin, dynamite and the high explosives that replaced gunpowder. Entertaining and very informative.

A lively discussion of the essential component of the "gunpowder revolution," this work touches upon the historical, socioecological, and scientific aspects of the reviled and beloved stuff which made it all happen; what we know today as "black powder." A "must read" for anyone who wants to gain a better grasp of what might arguably be called the most critical technological innovation in modern history.

I'm a chemistry teacher and am interested in the chemistry of explosives. This book was a great blend of chemistry and history. I was very curious about how different countries produced their gunpowders and this answered all of my questions. I learned some amazing things, as well, such as the fact that Antoine Lavoisier was partly responsible for making sure the US had enough gunpowder during the Revolutionary War. Great book!

I first read this book years ago and wanted a copy of my own. Gunpowder is one of the most simple mixed compounds known: charcoal (from hickory or other wood) sulphur (from the ground) and niter (or potassium nitrate) are the ingredients in common black powder. The chinese discovered it long before the west, used it for fireworks and other pyromancer's tricks, but evidently never thought to weaponize it... it took the Europeans to do that. An interesting read about perhaps the most important substance in history.

Gunpowder by Jack Kelly is surprisingly entertaining reading. I had picked up this book rather reluctantly, fearing a dry dissertation on the chemistry of gunpowder. Instead I was treated to a dance through history of interesting events connected by this main theme. Kelly intertwines gradual improvements in gunpowder with historical events that illustrate its use at the time. This is done in such a way that the reader is given a prelude in terms of a gunpowder advance followed by a historical event, usually a battle. While none of the historical events will come as any surprise to a person even basically familiar with history, it is interesting to see it through the lens of this one particular chemical. Kelly does a good job detailing how much development work the Chinese undertook after "discovering" gunpowder around 800 A.D. He also debunks the mythology that the Chinese failed to take advantage of military applications of gunpowder and illustrates that the Chinese were avidly pursuing this as a weapon of war. He does take some liberties, at times possibly overemphasizing the affects of gunpowder, such as Agincourt. Additionally some of the historical events described seem to be included more for their spectacular nature (The crater at Petersburg). But it all makes a very good read. Highly recommended.

The History of Gunpowder is a detailed examination of the substance, it’s creation, proliferation, and effect on society. If you enjoy history as told though the eyes of innovation, you will enjoy this book. The author’s writing style is both informative and enjoyable. Overall - an awesome read.

While the book might not be perfect , it's the perfect subject and is most likely going to be the best book on gunpowder. I need to read books on unique subjects that are written well and are consistently interesting from beginning to end. Different people will get different things out of this book, but I feel most will be throughly satisfied.

How did this get damaged?There was no description of damage of this type.

This was a fascinating book from start to finish and had more informative than the book by Clive Pointing. The foot notes and sources are well laid out for those that want to find out more detail. If you want a book on the history of gunpowder this is it.

Great

This is a really great piece of history

Great book