The Book of Fire [Paperback]

William H.; Jr. Cottrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004

Beginning at the molecular level, The Book of Fire introduces nonscientists to the anatomy of heat, ignition, and flame progressing from how a twig catches fire to how an entire forest burns. To help readers understand the science of fire, William Cottrell illustrates combustion events that most people are familiar with: a flickering candle, a smoldering campfire, a slowly cooking marshmallow. He uses these illustrations to introduce readers to wildland fire behavior, fire types, and fuel levels indispensible information for firefighters and fire managers, as well as homeowners who live in the wildland-urban interface. The Book of Fire is also a good resource for city dwellers who want to know the contents of smoky air or understand what really happened when the local newspaper says a wildfire "made a run." A glossary contains the most up-to-date terminology used by firefighters and fire managers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William H. Cottrell Jr. obtained a BS in zoology from Colorado State University prior to attending medical school at the University of Missouri. He served with the U.S. Army in Alaska, and then completed an orthopedic surgical residency at the University of Southern California. A private surgical practice, a family, and a passion for rock climbing took up much of his time until a climbing accident temporarily slowed him down. This provided him the opportunity to write books, obtain private and commercial flying licenses, and begin work on AIDS-related educational materialsHis ability to present complex scientific information by combining accurate graphics and simplified text grew out of the doctor-patient relationship. He now practices medicine at his Osteoporosis Medical Center in El Dorado, California, and lectures on the molecular biology of bone and bone disease.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company; 2nd edition (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878424911
• ISBN-13: 978-0878424917
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,240,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect starting place for the would-be firefighter, February 9, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Fire (Paperback)

The second edition of William H. Cottrell Jr's classic The Book Of Fire introduces nonscientists to how heat, ignition and flame progress from a simple twig to acres of land. Combustion science is illustrated simply to survey differences between candles, campfires, and large fires, with plenty of more advanced discussions following on wildland fire behavior, fire types, and more. The perfect starting place for the would-be firefighter and fire manager.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding, February 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Fire (Paperback)

With this book you can understand all the amazing and sometimes complicated things about the chemistry and fisics of fire. It's an excellent book for students of all ages, and even for teachers.