Because pyrotechnology was considered a demeaning craft, there is very little about its practice in ancient texts; our knowledge of early developments is based almost entirely on interpretation of artifacts recovered by archaeology during the past century and a half. Literature in archaeology and anthropology, however, tends to concentrate on the artifact found rather than on how it was produced - on the pot or spearhead rather than the kiln or furnace. There is thus surprisingly little information on the practice and importance of pyrotechnology. The Mastery and Uses of Fire in Antiquity,...

The technological achievements that make contemporary society possible are the result of some ten thousand years of development of the intentional use of fire, yet there is surprisingly little information on the practice and importance of pyrotechnology. J.E. Rehder, an engineer with fifty years of experience in industrial research and pyrotechnology, offers a detailed examination of how fire and furnaces were used in antiquity - from the hardening of clay, to the smelting of iron ore, to the production of glass. The Mastery and Uses of Fire in Antiquity provides much-needed information for...