Alfred W. Crosby is Professor Emeritus in American Studies, History, and Geography at the University of Texas, Austin, where he taught for more than 20 years. His previous books include Ecological Imperialism (2nd edition, Cambridge University Press, 2004), America's Forgotten Pandemic: The Influence of 1918 (2nd edition, Cambridge University Press, 2003), and The Measure of Reality: Quantification and Western Society, 1250-1600 (Cambridge University Press, 1997). The Measure of Reality was chosen by the Los Angeles Times as one of the 100 most important books of 1997.
'Within less than 200 pages he tells a coherent tale including both pertinent detail and amusing anecdote covering the period from Neanderthal prehumans to the present.' History Today '... well worth reading ...' Journal of the Victorian Military Society 'Throughout the volume he makes a judicious use of evidence from a variety of disciplines - archaeology, anthropology, history, rocket science, physics, chemistry, strategic studies - in a manner that is very accessible to people outside any given branch of scholarly study. In short, the volume is very well written and engaging ... this is a systematic, well-written and engaging exploration of the ways in which humans have thrown fire.' Social Anthropology '... provocative and highly illuminating.' Ambix Crosby's new book is another home run, worthy of its predecessors... The International History Review Alfred Crosby is deservedly famous as an environmental historian and entertaining writer. In this book he does it again, telling us all about projectiles from the time of our ape origins up to the Space Age. Having read this book, you will understand history, and you will also have the most interesting stories to relate at cocktail parties. Jared M. Diamond Alfred Crosby has applied his inimitable wit to two human traits, our capacities for throwing and burning, to track the history of the species. An enjoyable and provocative essay. Stephen Pyne, Arizona State University This is a delightful little book...[readers] who are interested in man's interaction with technology will find Crosby's arguments attractive. Air Power History Even if experts are likely to find little that is new, they may well benefit by looking at familiar material from the fresh angles that Crosby suggests. Barton C. Hacker Technology and Culture Well-written and fascinating throughout, the book is particularly instructive in linking developments in prehistory with those in more recent times. Journal of World History, Jeremy Black, University of Exeter Entertaining... Wisconsin State Journal ...an impressive and thought provoking work... -J. Furman Daniel, III, StrategyWorld