

John Withington, "A History of Fireworks from: Their Origins to the Present Day" (Reaktion, 2024)
Oct 8, 2024
John Withington, author of "A History of Fireworks from: Their Origins to the Present Day," explores the mesmerizing journey of fireworks, from ancient rituals to modern spectacles. He discusses their royal allure and cultural significance in Britain, especially on Bonfire Night. Fascinating anecdotes include 'living fireworks' and international competitions. Withington highlights practical uses, like weather modification and maritime rescues, while also addressing historical accidents and safety concerns, revealing the dual nature of these explosive celebrations.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Evolution of Fireworks in British Culture
02:04 • 18min
The Evolution of Fireworks: From Simple Displays to Technological Marvels
19:36 • 4min
The Cultural and Historical Journey of Fireworks
23:25 • 15min
The Multifunctional Legacy of Fireworks in Society
38:45 • 4min
The Quirky World of Rocket Mail and Fireworks
42:56 • 14min