This book goes into the chemistry and physics of pyrotechnics. It isn't a how to book for someone looking for a lot of recipes. Instead, it is a book that is for the pyrotechnical person who wants to understand why what he does works and what he can do should things not go exactly as planned. You can't tweak a recipe if you have no idea of what does what and why when you set off your device. This book, like Hardt's and Conkling's, take you inside the reactions and tell you how to make things work right for your needs.
To, be safe as a hobby pyro, you must know what you are doing intimately. Books like this one make that possible. If you are not able ti really understand why things happen as they do, then you are stuck with following behind the real trail blazers of this art. No followers ever win priZes at PGI, only those brave enough to blaze a trail win.