Book of Fire

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 landscape 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 glowing coal. Readers will learn about wildland fire behavior, fire types, and fuel levels--indispensiable information for firefighters and fire managers, as well as homeowners who live in the wildland-urban interface.

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.