HERE'S WHAT THE AUTHOR SAYS:

   It began when I visited a plant that was developing infra-red military flares using Teflon/magnesium; I realized that this had possibilities for making dragon eggs without lead or bismuth. Theoretical and hands-on knowledge, these are the ingredients that provided the expertise that enabled me to write this book.

From my vantage point I see the fireworks-making scene in a terrible rut. Is it the bad economy or something else? Where is the basic research? Where are the new effects? From rockets to smokes to colored flame production, my experience and knowledge combine to write this book.

CONTENTS OF THE BOOK:

• Table of Contents
  Chapter 1, Introduction and unclassified stuff.
  Chapter 2: How-to articles of all kinds.
• Chapter 3: Chemicals, from make your own, etc.
  Chapter 4: Boron, whatÃs it all about, applications.
• Chapter 5: Dragon Eggs, explanation, formulations, applications, and much more.
• Chapter 6: Color Smoke Production. In-depth research that nobody else has covered. Insightful intel.
• Chapter 7: CATOs, ending the bane of this devil.
  Chapter 8: Cornucopia, all the articles not classified elsewhere.
• Index.
  

 CATO - catastrophic failure, in our case, of a rocket. Ian von Maltitz points out in this, his third pyro book, that amateur rocket makers would probably shrug off 1 in 10 CATOs of their rockets. But is it really necessary? In previously unpublished articles, Ian goes into great detail of exactly what a CATO is, and how rocket makers can minimize the possibility of this catastrophic event on their launch pads. And all this in just one chapter!

     Is it true that fireworks makers of all experience are bogged down in the 1940s when it comes to colored smokes? Smoke production is really coming into its own now, with daylight effects becoming popular, both in special effects and other entertainment applications. But we know so little about how to do it, and then much of the available literature devoted too much effort to explaining the toxic nature of the ingredients! Ian's new book to the rescue! In a marvelous multi-articled chapter on colored smoke production, Ian updates us on the processes, undemonizing the chemical names, and demystifying the mechanics. Welcome to the 21st century.

     Dragon eggs. Did you ever try to make them? Yes, toxic lead chemicals that are banned in consumer fireworks. Yes, expensive bismuth. Yes, masses that sometime refuse to function and other times blow up when least expected. Ian's new book attacks these problems with zeal. Then, after explaining new and exciting (and cheaper) ingredients and techniques, he goes on to describe applications, such as falling leaf effects utilizing dragon eggs! And more.

     Barium chlorate - still using that for your green? Ian's startling investigation has proven that boron carbide, an easy-to-obtain, inexpensive grinding medium, CAN be used in green color formulations. This research is so cutting edge that even our military researchers are still working on boron applications.

     These are just a few samples of the incredible material contained in this 200+ page book. Also included are studies of basic fireworks, like his variations on Roman candles; have you ever considered machine gun Roman candles? Or fire-a-burst-of-three Roman candles. It's all here in this amazing new book.