Fireworks have lit up Maltese skies since the time of the Knights and evolved from a form of weaponry to an artistic, highly scientific skill, creating fierce competition among local factories.

For the first time, the controversial and explosive art has been documented in simple, easy to understand terms in a book called Pyrotechnic Malta by fireworks expert Godfrey Farrugia.

Dr Farrugia, who has a licence to manufacture fireworks with St Philip’s fireworks factory in Żebbuġ, said he wrote the book because, first and foremost, he wanted to promote Malta internationally.

“We have high standards when it comes to art but, locally, there was a lack of written material. I wanted to help inform and educate those who are not learned in pyrotechnics,” Dr Farrugia said.

The publication, which was well received abroad, is split into three sections: historical wealth, salient features and a rich portfolio.

Each Maltese and Gozitan fireworks factory contributed to the book, which also has a foreword of high praise by Ettore Contestabile, chairman of the International Symposium on Fireworks.

“Pyrotechnicians marvel at the art, a little jealous perhaps that they themselves might not have the know-how, the experience and skill, or even the legal right to even attempt to build such shells (as constructed by the Maltese),” Mr Contestabile said.

Pyrotechnic Malta is available from all leading bookshops and proceeds go to the Community Chest Fund.