Encyclopedia of Fire

(Hardback)

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Description

Fire! Few subjects are as fundamental to both nature and human civilization. This reference breaks new ground by going beyond a discussion of the scientific and technical aspects of fire to show how human societies in all parts of the world throughout history have incorporated images of fire into their philosophies, mythologies, religions, music, art, and other areas of human thought and action. Entries cover fire-related theories and concepts, cultural issues and allusions, industrial and military applications, political and social issues, as well as people, events, and organizations. This interdisciplinary treatment provides in one volume a quick look-up of specific information plus an opportunity to explore its broader significance. An excellent introduction and more than 200 A-to-Z entries-enhanced by a topic locator, illustrations, and suggestions for further reading-range over the entire subject to define and explain this fascinating natural phenomenon. Among the essay-length entries are discussions of the pollutants produced by combustion and their effect on the human and natural environment, the connection humans have made between natural fire and biological phenomena with fire-like properties, the use of fire-related language in aphorisms, the effects of natural fires on human societies and the types of governmental agencies designed to deal with fire, the use that humans have made of fire to shape the environment, and the ways in which religions have incorporated the properties of fire into their traditions.

Reviews

As the author states, the subject of Encyclopedia of Fire is more than combustion. The book is also about the science of fire; the social and cultural explanations and uses of fire; the images of fire philosophy, mythology, religion, music and art; and the natural phenomena of fire at work in the world. From Air pollution to Yule log, the entries are serious, entertaining, whimsical, surprising, and sometimes gloomy...Most public and academic libraries will want to own this fine resource. When a reference book is not only a straightforward accumulation of information but also an appealing browsing book even with very few pictures, one knows it is a success.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
David Newton examines more than 200 ways in which fire has impacted the human condition. Looking well beyond its househild uses, Newton explores the industrial and military applications of fire, from Roman baths and greek fire to glassmaking, jet engines and napalm...His interdisciplinary guide will serve students of science and culture.-Lawrence Looks at Books
Encyclopedia of Fire ranges far and wide on in its efforts to cover all aspects of fire...Due to the many large fires experienced recently in the United States, this book will be of interest to anyone searching for information on the effects of urban or rural fires, the controversy over prescribed burns, and means of fire prevention. The very readable style of the encyclopedia, and the inclusion of such wide-ranging topics as the Olympic torch, the Burning Man festival, protest burnings, dragons, and the Yule log make this encyclopedia accessible to a non-technical audience such as public library or school media users. The more technical entries, however, will make it useful to some academic and special libraries as well.-E-Streams
"As the author states, the subject of Encyclopedia of Fire is more than combustion. The book is also about the science of fire; the social and cultural explanations and uses of fire; the images of fire philosophy, mythology, religion, music and art; and the natural phenomena of fire at work in the world. From Air pollution to Yule log, the entries are serious, entertaining, whimsical, surprising, and sometimes gloomy...Most public and academic libraries will want to own this fine resource. When a reference book is not only a straightforward accumulation of information but also an appealing browsing book even with very few pictures, one knows it is a success."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"David Newton examines more than 200 ways in which fire has impacted the human condition. Looking well beyond its househild uses, Newton explores the industrial and military applications of fire, from Roman baths and greek fire to glassmaking, jet engines and napalm...His interdisciplinary guide will serve students of science and culture."-Lawrence Looks at Books
"Encyclopedia of Fire ranges far and wide on in its efforts to cover all aspects of fire...Due to the many large fires experienced recently in the United States, this book will be of interest to anyone searching for information on the effects of urban or rural fires, the controversy over prescribed burns, and means of fire prevention. The very readable style of the encyclopedia, and the inclusion of such wide-ranging topics as the Olympic torch, the Burning Man festival, protest burnings, dragons, and the Yule log make this encyclopedia accessible to a non-technical audience such as public library or school media users. The more technical entries, however, will make it useful to some academic and special libraries as well."-E-Streams

Author Bio

DAVID E. NEWTON David E. Newton has published extensively on chemistry and other science subjects. He is the award-winning author of numerous books, articles, and scholarly publications, including The Chemical Elements, Science in the 1920s, The Ozone Dilemma, Encyclopedia of Cryptology, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Problems in Chemistry, Global Warming, Encyclopedia of the Chemical Elements, and Social Issues in Science and Technology. Newton received his doctorate in science education from Harvard University.