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applyjuice's review against another edition
The book is really fun but requires a lot of focus and I currently don't have the energy for it. I will definitely try to finish it at some later point!
causearuckus's review
4.0
Entertaining read on a very specific subject matter: liquid rocket propellants up to about the mid 1970s. This book gets real deep in the chemistry weeds, but remained enjoyable. Would love an updated version. Lots of sarcasm and humor throughout.
parkershepherd's review
4.0
Ignition! is a very engaging, interesting narration on the rocket propellant industry over the decades the author was employed in it. The book adopted a very technical tone at parts, so I would only recommend this book to someone with at least a basic interest in chemistry. Beyond that, I loved the opinions layered on top of the science being presented. The way the author talks, you almost begin to personify some of the different types of propellents developed for rockets.
seyfert's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, although dry it sometimes seemed to be, and so full of chemistry. It's humorous and accessible - to a point. When reviews call this book accessible, they mean that if you have a basic understanding of chemistry, you'll get along just fine, but if you don't then I do believe some of it will go over your head. Still, anyone with a slight interest should read it. I wish I did back in college if only to better understand that chemistry is nowhere near as rigid and known as I once believed (although this is an older book). These were scientists who made educated guesses, often blew things up, and never did the correct math the first time. It's science as you grew up believing science to be: lots of experimentation. I've a new appreciation for chemistry, for liquid rock propellants (so much I didn't know), and for those who put themselves out of a thrilling, if insane, job by being so good at it.
spaceshipsteve's review
5.0
A bit technical for someone unfamiliar with chemistry but still very entertaining.
lexmechanic's review
5.0
This is so much better than it sounds! I mean, even as someone interested in technology, history and space exploration, I would normally hesitate to pick this one up. I'm so grateful to the person who recommended it, though. Yes, there are parts of the book that can only be summed up as 'hardcore chemistry' but the author really does make the effort to explain a lot and to stick to what's necessary.
The majority of the book is, thankfully, a captivating history of the people and teams developing rocket propellants for military and scientific use. Believe me, I didn't expect to laugh on a regular basis over a book like this one either! The author's dry wit taking aim at governments, organizations and scientists (himself included) is an entertaining thread through the entire book. One of a kind!
The majority of the book is, thankfully, a captivating history of the people and teams developing rocket propellants for military and scientific use. Believe me, I didn't expect to laugh on a regular basis over a book like this one either! The author's dry wit taking aim at governments, organizations and scientists (himself included) is an entertaining thread through the entire book. One of a kind!