Links and Further Reading

By G.I. Brown. This entertaining and informative book tells the dramatic tale of explosives, which have provided the world’s most powerful source of portable energy for over a thousand years. Softcover, 256pp., 1998.

Blown to Bits in the Mine

By Eric Twitty. Describes the evolution of explosives in the mines and quarries in North America from the Industrial Revolution to the twentieth century. An interesting book on mining history. Hardcover, 208pp. 2001.

Contemporary History of Industrial Explosives in America
By Joe Dannenberg. Changes in the explosives industry from one of the most recognized names in blasting, focusing on the profession. Includes info about development of ANFO, slurries, and blasthole dewatering. Great for collectors too. Paperback, 248pp., 1978.

The Effects of Vibrations and Environmental Forces A Guide for the Investigation of Structures
By Lewis Oriard. A practical guide for professional engineers, field technicians, explosives users and anyone who examines structures in order to evaluate the various forces that have acted on them. Emphasizes examination procedures and the development of an understanding of some of the general principles which affect the manner in which structures might be damaged by the environment and by vibrations. Published by ISEE. Hardcover. 284 pp. 1999.

Explosives 100 Years Ago, More or Less, The Book
By Robert B. Hopler. A compilation of articles which appeared from 1983 to 2000 in the Journal of Explosives Engineering. Material originated from publications of the 1800’s. Includes explanatory notes and a detailed index by the author. Hardcover. 340 pp. 2001.

Vibrations From Blasting
By David Siskind. This book summarizes the results of research by the US Bureau of Mines and related work by others on vibrations and airblast from blasting and specifically their impacts on homes and other structures. Hardcover. 120pp. 2000. Published by ISEE.

Videos

Celebrate Safely
By American Pyrotechnics Association. Describes the display fireworks industry and some fundamentals of firing a display. Excellent for training and the general public as well. 1995. . (25 minutes)

Don’t Touch
by IME. Demonstrates hazards of detonators and instructs children on what to do if a cap is found. 1986. (9 minutes)

Dynamite: Modern Marvels
Chronicles the history of this explosive from its’ origins in Alfred Nobel's labs to today. The way we live as well as changing the face of the earth. (50 minutes)

The Story of Dynamite
By Dyno Nobel. Historical review of the development & production of dynamite. (23 minutes)

Explosives: The Power Tool
By IME, ISEE, and Nobel Insurance. Describes how commercial explosives play an indispensable role in delivering the products we use, the roads we travel and the many conveniences we take for granted. Describes how commercial explosives help shape our lives. 1997. (19 minutes)

Fireworks
A & E Home Video. Hosted by George Plimpton. Celebration of the most spectacular light shows ever to be exploded in the night sky. Highlights the history, technology and future of pyrotechnics. 1994. (100 minutes)

Safety in Blasting
By Nobel Insurance Group. Educates the public and regulatory agencies about safe blasting practices and reinforces safety for blasters. 1989. (14 minutes)

Understanding Vibrations from Blasting
By SEE Education Foundation. The Foundation has produced this public education program to provide blasting professionals with the tools to enhance the public's understanding of the explosives industry. Provides information on the effects of blasting and environmental forces on homes and structures. (21 minutes)

What a Blast: Architecture in Motion
A journey through the world of explosive demolition. Featuring a custom-scored soundtrack from Grammy Award winning artist Tangerine Dream, this program is a compilation of seven long-form music videos, each with their own unique pace and theme. (42 minutes)

What A Blast: Demolition Artists
A look at the history behind the demolition industry. From rare World War II newsreels of building implosions to present-day blasts, this program traces the evolution of commercial explosive demolition. (46 minutes)

What a Blast: Detonation Countdown
An informative start-to-finish journey through four different implosion projects, performed by four of the world’s most accomplished blasting firms. You’ll travel behind the scenes and see how each blaster approaches their project as well as the science behind what they’re trying to accomplish.

What A Blast: For Kids
Viewers get to meet the blasters and see many world-record blasts while learning about different types of structures and demolition methods. From the many ways in which adjacent buildings are protected, to the dangers of explosives in the untrained hand, viewers learn straight from the blasters that safety and responsibility are the keys to any successful project. This video is suitable for younger children. (35 minutes)