This is a good source book on firecrackers from China to the world. It was well organized with large pages of colorful photos in rare package labels. The chapters on the origin, evolution and manufacturing of firecrackers were concise and informative. Of significance was the chapter on Chinese celebrations. For more than a millennium, firecrackers have been there from weddings to dragon dances, from funerals to store openings (p.27). For the Chinese, firecracker is a must for festival tradition celebration especially to welcome the Chinese New Year (same as firing guns at New Year Eve).

However, Chinese Christians celebrate Christmas with firecrackers (p.36) is a doubtful assertion as the authors failed to provide where, China or US. The same page said firecracker is celebration and sadness. To Chinese, firecrackers never are associated with sadness. It can mean scare off the evil spirit, negative chi and bad luck.

It is a great book to read and enjoy the colorful labels and package with different themes, ranging from Chinese mythology and folklores to western tradition. The Chinese knows the American market well. The nude angel with wings (p.76) is a case in point; others included are battleship (p.121), Red Devil, thunder cloud, dinosaur, Robinson Crusoe, King Kong, cowboys, Indians, aquatic animals, astrospace and explosives (atomic bombs), bullfight, woman boxers, baseball, football, circus, auto race, military and Dixie boys. The un-named artists were impressive. Labels from Guatemala, Indonesia and India are included as well. Of special meaning were the two package labels related to WW II - four Chinese soldiers with weapons on hand, a firing tank, a Chinese flag and three double decked fighter planes heading East resisting Japanese aggression (p.100); a young Chinese soldier in green uniform, gun at back and bullet case belt with a raised right hand V finger sign, an obvious V- J Victory celebration (p.101).

This book gave good information. However, the authors failed to mention that firecrackers and fireworks, the Chinese invention are intended celebration for prosperity, happiness, luck and peace as well. But once introduced to Europe, they were turned into weapon to wage war against Chinese as recorded in history 150 years ago under the free trade in China's favor excuse.

Next time, when you light up a package for July 4 celebration, think about the excitement and joy this Chinese gift brings.

My husband was looking for a book on firecrackers and I tried the local book stores, i.e. Barnes and Nobles, Bookmart, Books a Million, but no luck. I browsed the internet and the reviews on firecracker reference materials were few and far between. Finally I came across this book on Amazon and took a chance it would please him.....he's quite picky about his reference library. This soft-cover book is GREAT! It is packed with beautiful, vibrant full color photos of the common labels all the way up to the very rare. The book layout is dotted with photos and the glossary is helpful to even the intermediate collector. The section "Interview with a Collector" gives a nice insightful look into the pursuit of fireworks labels. The history of firecrackers is also discussed, giving the collector a great back-story to the industry. No price guide, but that is fine with my husband, as it tends to date a book after a couple of years. This is an informative addition to the Hubby's library......he's happy and I'm glad.