What causes our breathtaking excitement when fireworks burst above us? Why do we "see fireworks" when we fall deeply in romantic love? Why are fireworks and explosions the most apt metaphor for passion of any kind? Lynn McLain, a daughter of Dr. Joseph H. McLain, who designed and manufactured fireworks and worked on safety standards for decades, poses those questions -- and answers many others in this compact book that celebrates all that fireworks have to offer. The book includes colorful reproductions of rare images alongside intriguing historical and cultural fireworks trivia questions and answers. All royalties from its sale will be donated to the installation of an unprecedented, fireworks-inspired, computer-programmable, permanent light sculpture at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland in honor of Dr. John A. Conkling and in memory of the author's father, both of whom made great contributions to the science and safety of fireworks.