Invented by Chinese alchemists to frighten evil spirits, the simple mixture of saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal went on to make the modern world possible. As word of its explosive properties spread from Asia to Europe, from pyrotechnics to battleships, it paved the way for Western exploration, hastened the end of feudalism and the rise of the nation state, and greased the wheels of the Industrial Revolution. Jack Kelly ranges over cultures, technological innovations and the contributions of Michelangelo, Cortes and Guy Fawkes, among others, to present the gripping account of a substance that Francis Bacon declared to 'have changed the whole face and state of things throughout the world'.

Reviews

"'Jack Kelly has written the definitive popular history of gunpowder and its military applications in a style reminiscent of Richard Holmes at his best.' Richard Shelton 'A thoughtful and subtle blend of science and technology with political, military, economic and social history, Gunpowder achieves splendidly its purpose of providing a broad and general introduction to the development and impact of gunpowder.' John Childs, Professor of Military History, University of Leeds"