This text is written at an introductory to intermediate level. As such it is intended for readers with limited prior knowledge of chemistry or limited knowledge regarding specific areas of applied pyrotechnics. One goal of this text was to provide an extensive list of references, thus directing readers to sources of additional information. With a total of approximately 400 references that goal has been met; however, for the most part, citations to material that is readily found in numerous reference texts have not been included. Only when the information is attributable to a limited number of authors are specific references generally cited.The chapters are a collection of 19 papers written by 12 authors, covering most of the important ar-eas of pyrotechnic chemistry. While this format causes the text to be written in styles that differ somewhat from chapter to chapter, it also provides an opportunity to have each of the chapters written by persons with expertise and current knowledge in each of the various subject areas. (Brief bio-graphical information about the authors is included at the end of the preface.) Also, having each sub-ject written as a stand alone chapter, means that a reader wishing information on a specific subject will generally not have to refer to other chapters for the background and ancillary information needed to fully comprehend the subject.Almost all of the chapters have been published previously; however, they were originally written with the intention of being chapters in this text and have been updated since their original publication. The authors of each chapter are identified at the start of each chapter, and the citation for where the material was originally published appears at the end of each chapter. Because most of the chapters have been published previously, and to simplify the task publishing this compilation, in most cases the authors were individually responsible for editing their chapters.