Horror And Harm

Beskrivelse

Horror and Harm: Rudolf von Deventer’s Treatise on Gunpowder and Fireworks, c. 1585 presents a modern English translation and transcription of a remarkable 16th-century manuscript. This unique work explores war and festival culture during the reign of Danish King Frederik II through vivid illustrations and detailed instructions.

A fascinating glimpse into early modern Northern European warfare, artillery, and celebratory pyrotechnics.

This manuscript, originally written in German by Rudolf von Deventer, the King’s artillery expert, offers practical guidance on crafting firearms to defend the Christian realm’s foes. Alongside these military instructions, it also reveals recipes for creating fireworks designed purely for entertainment.

The book is richly decorated with colorful illustrations depicting battle scenes, weaponry, and dynamic mechanical fireworks like girandoles and dragons. These visuals bring to life both the destructive and festive uses of gunpowder during the period.

Horror and Harm provides an exceptional window into the technology, warfare, and festival traditions of Early Modern Northern Europe. The manual is framed by a foreword from science historian Pamela H. Smith and a collection of introductory essays that place von Deventer’s work in its historical context.

Yderligere information