How-to Books on Making Fireworks

To help you learn to make fireworks, Skylighter offers dozens of books on the art and craft of making fireworks and other pyrotechnics. We carry fireworks making classics by Ron Lancaster, Takeo Shimizu, Ellern, Kentish, Tenny Davis, and Weingart. You can also find more modern pyrotechnic books by Perigrin, Dave Bleser, Bill Ofca, Sponenburgh, and the Kosankes. There are directories of fireworks sources, reprints of older books with fireworks making projects, even copies of fireworks journals. More fireworks making resources. For a beginning fireworks maker, the list below may be bewildering. If you're wondering where to start, click here.

We are always looking for new books on making fireworks. If you know of any you think we should consider, please let us know.

BK0181

2008 International Fireworks Trade Directory

Where do you find one list of fireworks sources for the whole world? Right here in the first directory of worldwide fireworks information. Lists names, addresses, phone/fax, personnel, and operations of more than 800 companies in 40 countries. Shipping wt. 3 lbs.

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$56.65

BK0180

2008 North American Fireworks Trade Directory

The bible of the fireworks trade. Lists all known US fireworks manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, supplies vendors, consultants, clubs, and special effects suppliers. Contains companies, contact names, addresses, phones, and locations, cross referenced by state. 200+ pages, spiral bound. Shipping wt. 3 lbs.

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$36.70

BK0003

Amateur Rocket Motor Construction

By David G. Sleeter

If you want to learn how to make black powder rockets, this is on the only book to get. Just published in 2004, Dave Sleeter's new book is the book that rocket makers have been waiting years for. It is one of the most professionally written amateur pyrotechnics books ever written. We really have nothing but superlatives for this book that has been at least ten years in the making. Briefly, there are sections on safety, rocket concepts and functioning, tools (to buy or to make, including detailed engineering drawings of dozens of tools of every size), chemicals (types, sources, and uses), preparing chemicals, rocket casings (buying and making them), propellant formulas and mixing, building the motor, 5 advanced propellants, ignitors and ignition systems, test equipment, and flying your rocket. Hundreds of detailed illustrations and photographs. 514 pages. Shipping weight 4 lbs.

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$52.45

BK0005

Ball Milling Theory and Practice for the Amateur Pyrotechnician

By Lloyd Sponenburgh

If you want to learn how to grind your own materials faster and efficiently, or to simply make better black powder, this book’s for you. This 66 page manual contains plans, bills of materials, tool lists, and clear, step-by-step instructions for building a homemade, yet durable and high quality ball mill. Also included are sections on grinding media and casting your own lead media. 7 illustrations, 6 photographs. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$30.48

BK0008

BATF-Explosives Laws and Regulations

New, 2007 Edition. Also known as the "Orange Book", this is the book you need to "get legal" federally. Currently out of print and not available from the BATF. Explains manufacturing, distribution, storage, magazines, distances, etc. You will need this book before you apply for your BATF license. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$20.52

BK0010

Best of AFN II

More than 150 basic and advanced how-to-do-it articles condensed from American Fireworks News that are still current. You can still find the chemicals and supplies you need to complete these projects. One of the best hands-on pyrotechnic manuals you can get. 200 pages. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$29.95

BK0011

Best of AFN III

139 more how-to articles that appeared in American Fireworks News between 1990 and 1995. In general, the content is a bit more advanced than Best of AFN II. Great stuff on rockets, compositions, chemicals, fusing, electrical firing, and much, much more. The AFN II & III books are simply the best buy in the world--there is nothing out there that is as jam-packed with useful, practical fireworks making information. 198 pages. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$29.95

BK0012

Best of AFN IV

Released in April 2000, this book in the "Best Of AFN" series contains more than 150 how-to articles that appeared in American Fireworks News between 1996 and 2000. 36 articles on stars and small devices (including our favorite on making Blue & Orange Go-Getter stars); 16 articles on rockets; 13 articles on chemicals and ingredients; 34 articles on displays and electrical firing; plus many, many more. As usual, this latest AFN book is a great bargain. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$29.95

BK0013

Best of AFN V

Just released in the fall of 2005, this latest book in the "Best Of AFN" series contains almost 170 how-to articles that appeared in American Fireworks News between 2000 and 2005. Contents include: 18 articles on advice & small devices, 56 articles on star making, 19 articles on aerial shells, 19 articles on rockets, 19 articles on fuse, ignition & black powder, 12 articles on indoor & special effects, 8 articles in a special quick match section, and many others. As usual, this latest AFN book is a great bargain. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$29.95

BK0017

Black Powder Manufacturing Methods & Techniques

By Ian von Maltitz

Fireworks maker Ian von Maltitz' down-to-earth, practical new book shows you how to make good, fast-burning black powder for use in fireworks that can equal or exceed the effectiveness of commercial black powders. Von Maltitz is a fireworks maker. The book contains chapters on safety, chemicals and black powder ingredients, making slow powder, making fast powder, milling powder, the CIA method, different versions of black powder, inexpensive black powder, alternative methods for manufacturing black powder, and testing your powder. Also included are appendices covering the Goex plant in Moosic, Pennsylvania. Commercial specifications for black powders; recommended lift charges for shells; historical manufacture in England, France, and the US. 160 pages. Published in 1997. 8-1/2 x 11, perfect bound, illustrated. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$29.95

BK0018

Black Powder Manufacturing, Testing & Optimizing

By Ian von Maltitz

After Ian wrote his first book on Black Powder Manufacturing, he decided that there was a lot more to the subject than he had covered. So he started again. The excellent result is this new book, published in May 2003. If I had to have one book on small scale black powder making, this would be it. There is an incredible amount of meat packed into this book, far too much to be able to touch on here. Topics include: street-smart safety tips from somebody who's obviously learned the hard way; using the right ingredients; a critique of varous ingredients and alternatives including in-depth discussion of different charcoals and an effectiveness comparison of many different woods; entry level black powder; why granulation is important and when it isn't; making charcoal different ways; tuning your BP for greater speed including more on pressing and granulation; a realistic discussion of the CIA method; comparison of various milling methods; a chapter just on ball milling including discussions about different media, wet and dry, and mill speed; "turbocharged black powder"--how to make the fastest (most efficient) possible powder; making black powder on a shoestring--where to get cheap ingredients--arghhh; the chemistry of black powder; alternative black powders; powder testing; historical testing methods, particularly eprouvettes; modern testing methods; and much, much more. This is a must-have book for any black powder maker. 8-1/2 x 11, softcover, 208 pages, profusely illustrated. Shipping weight 2.5 lbs.

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$36.37

BK0020

Chemistry of Powder & Explosives

By Tenney L. Davis

Originally published in 1941-1943, this book contains both Volume I and Volume II. Although primarily aimed at chemists and students of explosives, Davis includes much on black powder and fireworks. In addition, there are chapters on smokeless powders, high explosives, detonators, and primers. Well illustrated, many photographs, numerous pyrotechnic formulas. 502 pages. Softcover, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$41.95

BK0023

Complete Art of Firework-Making

By Thomas Kentish.

Some of the most detailed descriptions and drawings of fireworks devices ever published. There are chapters on roman candles (extensive), rockets, stars, wheels, gerbes, tourbillions, saxons, serpents, shells, aquatic fireworks, girandolas, lancework, tools, formulations, and too much more to list here. A classic: originally published in 1878, this is a newer edition republished by American Fireworks News with revisions. 129 pages, about 200 illustrations. Shipping weight 1.5 lbs.

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$31.45

BK0025

Dictionary & Manual of Fireworks

By George W. Weingart

A unique version of George Weingart's classic (1937) book on making fireworks. This edition was published in 1996 and contains dozens of illustrations, tables, and formulas for making every kind of firework imaginable. Though many of the formulas and chemicals are considered outdated today, this book is still a valuable addition to any pyro library for its details on construction and techniques. What makes this edition unique is a section containing a fascinating correspondence between Weingart and Orville Carlisle, credited with being the inventor of the toy rocket. An invaluable book and a necessity for every serious fireworks maker. 136 pages, soft cover. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$33.06

BK0024

Display Fireworks Operator Certification Study Guide

This book was written by the Pyrotechnic Guild International to accompany their one-day course on pyrotechnic training and the safe use of pyrotechnics in public fireworks displays. It covers everything you would ever need to know on how to set up and legally and safely fire a professional fireworks display. Think of it as your first course in display pyrotechnics school, the first step toward becoming a licensed fireworks display pyrotechnician. It begins with the duties and responsibilities of everyone involved, then covers fireworks, equipment, the pyro crew, information on site selection, and much more all the way to cleanup of the site. The emphasis is on manual, operator-fired fireworks displays vs. electical firing. 301 pages. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$62.95

BK0026

Electric Ignition Pyrogens and Construction

By Gary W. Purrington

This is a very detailed set of instructions on making your own electric matches, the best we have seen. Use this book to make electric ignition devices for solid propellant rockets, hybrid propellant rockets, remote controlled airlplane special effects, remote activated special effects, fireworks displays, 2nd stage rocket motors or recovery devices, and other devices. 30 pages, spiral bound. Shipping weight 1.5 lbs.

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$44.95

BK0027

Experimental Composite Propellant

By Terry W. McCreary, Ph.D.

Unravel the mysteries of composite propellant! Emphasis is on ammonium perchlorate composite propellant as used in high-power rocketry motors, but there's a lot of information that will be useful to many. Explains how to: characterize propellant by static test; design motors; make igniters; calculate amounts of binder ingredients; make single-use and reloadable motors; process propellant with vacuum, and much more! Includes an extensive annotated bibliography and a disk of spreadsheets for routine batch calculations and such. 243 pages, over 80 figures, tables, and illustrations, softbound. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$78.49

BK0028

Fireworks from a Physical Standpoint

By Dr. Takeo Shimizu

Part I, Part II, Part III and Part IV. This is Alex Schuman's English translation of Dr. Shimizu's "Feuerwerk von physikalischem Standpunkt aus" orig. published by Hower Verlag in 1976. Deals with the theoretical aspects of pyrotechnics. Special for set of four parts. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$89.95

BK0034

Fireworks Safety Manual: A Collection of Essays

By Bill Ofca

This is a collection of pyrotechnic safety essays written by Ofca for American Fireworks News over a period of ten years. Useful for experimenters and professionals alike, Bill's book's discussions on safety touch on all the important issues of making, handling, and shooting display fireworks. Includes bonus essay on how to make a beautiful golden spider web shell. 8-1/2 x 11 inches, 90 pages. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$34.60

BK0037

Fireworks: The Art, Science, and Technique

By Dr. Takeo Shimizu

This is certainly the classic fireworks making book of all time. Out of print for years, a new edition was revised and released in June 1996. Along with Lancaster's book, it is one of the two most important books on current methods in the craft of fireworks making. Topics include fireworks arrangement and art, the science of fireworks, ignition, combustion, flame colors and temperatures, flame color adjustment, spark phenomena, smokes, oxidizers, color agents, combustion agents, examination of most fireworks chemicals and their properties, smoke dyes, other chemicals, binders, papers, explosives and fuses, mixing chemicals, making all types of stars, loading compositions, pasting with paper, fuse manufacture, drying methods, bursting charges, colored flame compositions, silver compositions, fire dust compositions, twinklers (strobes), flare and smoke stars, flash, whistles, hummers, comets, falling leaves, flowers, waterfalls, chrysanthemums and other shell construction, comets on shells, lancework, mines, candles, drivers and saxons, toy fireworks, fireworks and display management, and safety. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$89.95

BK0040

Glitter, Chemistry & Techniques

By Lloyd Scott Oglesby

Oglesby details the theory of glitter production and then shows you how to make your own glitter mix formulations and add glittering effects to make glitter stars, glitter comets, glitter rockets, glitter fountains, and other glitter effect fireworks. Oglesby discusses why fireworks crackle, glitter, and strobe--all thought to be related phenomena. 82 pages, 22 tables, 35 photos, 20 formulas. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$33.06

BK0019

Handbook on Charcoal Making

By Jack Drewes, Joel Baechle, the Passfire

This is small, but thorough book shows you how to make charcoal yourself. Everything you need to know is covered: materials, tools, building a kiln or retort, selecting wood, setting up the furnace, cost estimates, and much more. If you want or need to make charcoal, this book will put you on the right path. 48 pages, softcover, 5-1/2 in. by 9 in. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$19.86

BK0041

Homemade Imitation Thermalite Ignitercord

By Gary W. Purrington

This 67 page book shows you how to make the following: Thermalite imitation igniter cord (slow and medium speeds); thermite emergency fire starters; black match; quickmatch; underwater match; sparklers; colored, strobe, and sparkle fuses; quick and easy aerial shell microstars, stars, and comets; smoke on a rope; and more. Many of these are unusual projects that we have not seen described anywhere else and should provide all sorts of unusual effects not normally seen in run-of-the-mill fireworks. Shipping weight 1.5 lbs.

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$47.53

BK0042

How It Happens at the Fireworks Factory

By Garry W. Hanson

If you have children who are interested in fireworks, or if you want to involve your kids in your fireworks activities, this is a great new book for you and them. This book shows 2nd to 5th grade level children how fireworks are made and used in a commercial display. It has many excellent color photos with text explaining: black powder and how it's made; making stars and inserts; assembling shells; fuses and fusing; creating displays and loading mortars; and electrical matching and firing. 32 pages, 40 color photos. Shipping weight 1.5 lbs.

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$26.20

BK0043

Illustrated Dictionary of Pyrotechnics

By Ken & Bonnie Kosanke

This is the only comprehensive glossary of pyrotechnic terminology we know of. Explains scientific and craft terms from chemicals, fireworks, rocketry, explosives, and pyrotechnic special effects. A must-have volume for layman and professional alike. 130 pages, 1200 terms, 130 illustrations, 50 tables. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$44.05

BK0045

Incomplete Book of Girandolas

By Tom Dimock

Girandolas are flying horizontal wheels. They are some of the most spectacular fireworks being made today. Much of the interest in girandolas in the United States today is owed to Bill Kimbrough's adventures in Mexico and learning the craft from the Mexican masters. Tom and Bill have both entered girandolas in competition at PGI conventions in recent years. This book is the result of the work that Tom has done in learning the craft of making these spectacular devices. Tom covers making the frame, the drivers, special effects to add to the wheel, construction techniques, ignition, fusing, timing, launching, and sources of supply. This is an unusually well done book for a self-published pyrotechnic manual. Many excellent and clear photographs and diagrams. There is a lot here. Invaluable and unique, this is an excellent companion book to Tom's video on Girandola Construction. 8-1/2 inches x ll inches. 50 pages, softcover. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$31.45

BK0050

Introductory Practical Pyrotechnics

By Tom Perigrin

This is a new book written by a chemistry Ph.D. and longtime fireworks practitioner. It was created because the author felt there was just no book that was understandable, current, complete, and safe enough for beginning fireworks makers to start with. The book starts the reader out with the simplest projects and gradually moves to more advanced devices. There is a "build" to the sequence of projects in this book: each project incorporates into it what the reader has learned in earlier chapters.

Contains projects on making black powder, black match, quick match, fountains, drivers, rats and pigeons, lances, set pieces, sparklers, tourbillions, cut stars, mines, aerial shells, girandolas, star pumps, comets, round stars, roman candles, star plates, and Clark's Giant Steel Fountain. There is an excellent set of appendices that explain the chemistry and physics behind fireworks including what gives fireworks their color, what makes them explode, etc. 203 pages. 50+ photographs and illustrations. Shipping weight 2 lbs. Numerous tables. How to begin making fireworks

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$52.65

BK0065

Modern Chemical Magic

By John D. Lippy, Jr. and Edward L. Palder.

Originally published years ago in, this is primarily a book of magic tricks using chemicals. There are chapters on Chemical Magic with Liquids; Luminous Paints; Dry Ice; Invisible Inks; Luminous Inks; Flash Paper; Fire Magic; Fire Eating; Magic with Slates; Chemical Cocktails; Chemical Stunts; Professional Magic; Chemical Jokes and Novelties. The pyrotechnic chapter (Fire Magic) includes colored fires and flames; starting a fire with water and ice; an exploding hammer; serpents' eggs; snakes; burning ice; self-lighting candles; candles won't stay lit; lighting a cigarette with ice and more. A fascinating book full of fun stuff for everybody. 164 pages. No longer in print, this is a photocopied version. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$20.95

BK0070

Principles of Pyrotechnics

By A. A. Shidlovskiy

Originally published in 1964 in the USSR, and subsequently translated to English by the US Defense Department, this book is still one of the most frequently cited pyrotechnic references. It contains a wealth of information on both civilian and military pyrotechnic and fireworks devices. This new third edition, published in 1997, has been called "the single best scientific text currently in print on the chemistry of pyrotechnics...an absolute must for anyone wanting to take a scientific approach to pyrotechnics" in a recent review. This is a book for advanced or scientifically inclined fire workers. New and extensive index, 272 pages, soft cover. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$65.78

BK0073

Purchasing Power for Display Fireworks

By Bill Ofca

Bill Ofca's controversial and unique book that tells the truth about what everyone involved in display fireworks needs to know. What fireworks are; how to pick the site; the meaning behind NFPA 1123; what, why, and how fireworks regulations affect displays, permits, land sites, barge sites, ocean beach sites, safety, dishonest practices in the trade, fund raising, insurance, how customers should pick a display company, how to bid for fireworks displays, how to evaluate and investigate a display company, and much, much more. 8-1/2 x 11 inches, 138 pages, illustrated, and indexed. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$38.80

BK0076

Pyrocolor Harmony, A Designer's Guide

By Joel Baechle

Out of print until recently, Joel Baechle's unique book was written by one of the most knowledgeable pyro chemists in the industry today. Originally designed to be an accompaniment to his seminars of the same title at the 1989 and 1998 PGI Conventions, Pyrocolor Harmony has evolved into a very useful reference for serious students of the art of colored pyrotechnic displays and of colored flames, particularly in stars and comets. A number of excellent star formulas are included as well as Robert Veline's superb colored star system. This latest edition has a lot of new information added since the original, 1989 version. Shipping weight 2 lbs.

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$41.95

BK0078

Pyrotechnic Formulary

By Donald J. Haarmann

New and updated 1996 Edition. Containing 2,600+ pyrotechnic formulations, this is without a doubt the most complete and exhaustive collection ever published. Includes formulas for every imaginable type of firework and pyrotechnic device; including dozens of formulas for every color, including fireworks recipes for purple, blue, red, gold, green, silver, gold, and dozens of variations in between. You'll find formulas for flash stars, crackle, glitter, strobes, and waterfall fireworks. On the minus side, there is no narrative or how-to information with any of the formulations. A no-brainer reference for any serious pyrotechnician to own, but definitely not a book for beginners. 155 pages. Shipping weight 3 lbs.

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$49.61

BK0100

Pyrotechnica Magazine: The Complete Set

Over the years, Pyrotechnica has proven itself to be the foremost magazine devoted exclusively to the display and building of fireworks. Buy the whole seventeen-volume set and save $120.82. Shipping weight 7 lbs.

set of 17

$431.55

BK0101

Pyrotechnica No. I (October 1977)

Articles on cut star making, zinc stars, the use of lead dioxide in pyrotechnics, flash powders, "Reactions" (letters from readers section). 20 pages. Originals no longer available; photocopy reprint. Shipping weight .5 lbs.

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$4.57

BK0102

Pyrotechnica No. II (February 1978)

Full text of Dr. R. M. Winokur's "The Pyrotechnic Phenomenon of Glitter." THE book to get if you want to make glitter compositions. 46 pages, 4 plates. Originals no longer available; photocopy reprint. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$13.81

BK0103

Pyrotechnica No. III (May 1978)

Articles on electric spreader stars, mixing pyrotechnic ingredients in a ball mill, chemical abstracts, book review, flash powder (part II), "Reactions." 26 pages. Originals no longer available; photocopy reprint. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$9.19

BK0104

Pyrotechnica No. IV (October 1978)

Review of Dr. Shimizu's "Feuerwerk," use of lead nitrate in pyrotechnics, ammonium perchlorate red stars, titanium sparklers, designing the "ideal" firecracker, chemical abstracts, "Reactions." 30 pages. Originals no longer available; photocopy reprint. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$13.81

BK0109

Pyrotechnica No. IX (April 1984)

George Plimpton's "Tribute to Jimmy Grucci," Part I of A. Fulcanelli's "Traditional Cylinder Shell Construction," Part II of Kosanke's "The Physics, Chemistry, and Perception of Colored Flames," Jim Wommack's "Roadside Stands to State Fairs: Fifty Years of Fireworks," book reviews, "Reactions," and classified ads. 64 pages. Shipping weight 1.5 lbs.

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$38.06

BK0105

Pyrotechnica No. V (October 1979)

Strobe light pyrotechnic compositions, book reviews, a biography of James Cutbush, making a rocket wheel, aluminum flash powders, "Reactions." 44 pages. Originals no longer available; photocopy reprint. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$13.81

BK0106

Pyrotechnica No. VI (July 1980)

Full text of Dr. Shimizu's "Studies on Blue and Purple Flame Compositions Made with Potassium Perchlorate," R. Winokur's "Purple Fire," "Reactions," "Pyrographs." 32 pages. Originals no longer available; photocopy reprint. Shipping weight 1 lb.

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$13.81

BK0107

Pyrotechnica No. VII (May 1981)

Part I of Dr. Kosanke's "The Physics, Chemistry and Perception of Colored Flames," Troy Fish's "Green and Other Colored Flame Metal Fuel Compositions Using Parlon," Maltese pyrotechnics, book reviews, "Reactions." 44 pages. Originals no longer available; photocopy reprint. Shipping weight 1 lb.