The Practical Pyromaniac: Build Fire Tornadoes, One-Candlepower Engines, Great Balls of Fire, and More Incendiary Devices

This book combines two elements: recipes and instructions for spectacular and fiery experiments AND narrative about the scientists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who paved the way in the discovery of elements and the elucidation of combustion. I would say the majority of the proposed experiments are very ambitious in the materials and supplies required and construction techniques. The book is aimed at the kind of teen-aged boy who makes his own rockets out of fertilizer and sugar but a boy following this book would need an enthusiastic dad with deepish pockets. Some of the experiments involve a lot of construction only to produce a short lived spectacular flame effect. Danger looms, as the book keeps pointing out. I enjoyed the descriptions of the life and works of such scientists as Joseph Priestley and Henry Cavendish -- Gurstelle does a good job of providing entertaining cameos of these dudes.

There are a fair number of clever projects in this book that live up to the title, like the sound modulated flame tube, the fire tondo, and the flame thrower, but there are also a good many mundane projects like making a clay oil lamp, or the "one candlepower engine" which is simply a candle on a horizontal pivot lit at both ends. It's not nearly as good as the author's earlier

No, I'm serious about the title. There are some fun experiments in here, and can teach kids both about chemistry, and to have respect for things that burn and blow up. A lot of it is pretty basic, so I think it's more geared toward adult-assisted experiments for kids. But then, the flame thrower is really cool. Can't wait to build that, not sure where I'll find a safe place to try it, though.

Great

Not really what I was looking for based on its description. The only cool projects are the ones specifically mentioned - the rest seem to be for children.

The content is padded with not-terribly-interesting historical tales. The actual how-to guides are sparse and not detailed enough. I bought Make: Fire by Tim Deagan and it was far superior.

Got this book for my 3 little boys. I'm a Mom, and we have spent many hours reading the stories and history behind fire dynamics, and trying the experiments. Little boys and big boys love fire. This is a good way to let them experiment and experience the "fire" safely. FYI boys, always follow the safety guidelines :).

I am only a few pages into this book but like his others I know it will be great

Very interesting read. I hope BATF doesn't show up!

Well written, explores the history of the science of flame; fewer experiments than I would like, but hey, I am a pyrotechnician.

This book combines two elements: recipes and instructions for spectacular and fiery experiments AND narrative about the scientists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who paved the way in the discovery of elements and the elucidation of combustion. I would say the majority of the proposed experiments are very ambitious in the materials and supplies required and construction techniques. The book is aimed at the kind of teen-aged boy who makes his own rockets out of fertilizer and sugar but a boy following this book would need an enthusiastic dad with deepish pockets. Some of the experiments involve a lot of construction only to produce a short lived spectacular flame effect. Danger looms, as the book keeps pointing out. I enjoyed the descriptions of the life and works of such scientists as Joseph Priestley and Henry Cavendish -- Gurstelle does a good job of providing entertaining cameos of these dudes.

There are a fair number of clever projects in this book that live up to the title, like the sound modulated flame tube, the fire tondo, and the flame thrower, but there are also a good many mundane projects like making a clay oil lamp, or the "one candlepower engine" which is simply a candle on a horizontal pivot lit at both ends. It's not nearly as good as the author's earlier

No, I'm serious about the title. There are some fun experiments in here, and can teach kids both about chemistry, and to have respect for things that burn and blow up. A lot of it is pretty basic, so I think it's more geared toward adult-assisted experiments for kids. But then, the flame thrower is really cool. Can't wait to build that, not sure where I'll find a safe place to try it, though.

Great

Not really what I was looking for based on its description. The only cool projects are the ones specifically mentioned - the rest seem to be for children.

The content is padded with not-terribly-interesting historical tales. The actual how-to guides are sparse and not detailed enough. I bought Make: Fire by Tim Deagan and it was far superior.

Got this book for my 3 little boys. I'm a Mom, and we have spent many hours reading the stories and history behind fire dynamics, and trying the experiments. Little boys and big boys love fire. This is a good way to let them experiment and experience the "fire" safely. FYI boys, always follow the safety guidelines :).

I am only a few pages into this book but like his others I know it will be great

Very interesting read. I hope BATF doesn't show up!

Well written, explores the history of the science of flame; fewer experiments than I would like, but hey, I am a pyrotechnician.

There is a lot of chemistry, and science history, and several interesting projects. I want to try the Hydrox bubbles next 4th. Most of these projects have serious hazards, and the safety information is to be respected.

This is a straight-forward book with a lot of good do-it-yourself projects. Projects catered to enough space to play with fire like the outdoors. It's really nice to have a book available that approaches fire in a safe and creative manner. Fun project ideas to teach kids how fire behaves.

Loved this book. I have always experimented in a little of this and that in my home shop. I wish I had this book back in high school. I might have faired better in the science fairs.

Thanks. Excellent book

It looks to like the book has been sanitized. Figures, diagrams and illustration necessary to construct the bigger projects, like the flame thrower, have been removed. I understand why they would I'd that but the description should say so.

The book is a great read however I purchased the kindle version and it's missing some pictures and diagrams on a couple of pages. Other than that it's a really great book. I gave one star because of the image issue.

The contents of the book are wonderful. The digital edition is missing figures and images though. Not the most happy at this point due to this fact.

Very interestinf

Great book filled with some great projects. Keep in mind, this isn't something to buy your kid unless you want your house to burn down. These are good projects for someone who knows what they are doing and is able to be safe when playing with fire.

This is a great book for anyone who enjoys doing crazy projects at home that include danger like building flamethrowers

:)

The title is more interesting than the actual context. Its pages are bulked out by useless history and playground projects. The one project that isn't as basic is the flame thrower, however the author has not bothered to go into as much detail neccessary, instead giving links to a website that is not active. A complete waste on money, you'll find more useful information by just searching the internet