Gunpowder

Chatto & Windus, 2005. New book, 256 pages. For many, gunpowder is associated with Guy Fawkes and the attempt to blow up parliament 400 years ago. Fewer people know that the formula for gunpowder was discovered over 1,000 years ago - in China - and by accident. Known as 'fire-drug', its origin was the alchemists search for immortality, 'the elixir of life', and it was initially a medicine, not an explosive. This fascinating book tells the story of the huge impact of gunpowder on every state and empire in the world. For 400 years the Chinese kept it to themselves, until a Mongol soldier leaked the secret to the Islamic world, where gunpowder played a crucial role in the rise of the great empires of the Ottomans and the Mughals. Even more important was the impact of gunpowder in Europe where, driven by the demands of almost constant warfare, new weapons created new states. Equally, gunpowder helped Europeans destroy Aztec and Inca empires and then go on to dominate the rest of the world. Packed with unexpected and interesting facts, and revealing its exciting, devestating and important story with global sweep and storytelling power.. Hard Cover. As New/As New. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.