Absinthe & Flamethrowers: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously

by William Gurstelle

Book Overview

A Selection of the Scientific American Book Club Want to add more excitement to your life? This daring combination of science, history, and DIY projects will show you how. Written for smart risk... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556528221
• ISBN13: 9781556528224
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Looks mean , no teeth

I watched stuff like this on saturday morning tv when I was 10 years old.

Reasonable Danger

Last summer I saw the New York Times rave review of this book, and as a longtime fan of "Backyard Ballistics" I have really been looking forward to the read. Gurstelle's new book is like "Backyard Ballistics" with philosophy and style. It's great. And I don't think it really matters if you plan on making gunpowder, building any of these contraptions, or digesting any of these edibles -- you can stay in your armchair, away from your garage, and still love taking this tour of dangerous living. (For those on the adventurous side: great instructions, plenty of photos, clear diagrams, and, yes, flamethrowers.)

Lively and Entertaining

Absinthe and Flamethrowers builds a pretty good case for why adding a bit of dangerous living is a good thing that actually makes people happier than if they eschewed risk. It's probably not going to appeal to the meek, risk-avoiding side of the personality spectrum. Still, I'm not really that much of a risk taker and it sure made me at least start thinking about doing some of the semi risky stuff he advocates. The author has written other books with lots of projects to try and they are all fun reads. Some readers probably won't get the author's message, but I think they're the exception, not the rule. Decide for yourself!

Awesome book!

A great book than not only shows you how to do thrilling and dangerous things but motivates you to get off the couch and do them. I have never had so much fun endangering my health and well-being. I highly recomend this book for everyone who is gettng a little bored with the everyday grind.

Blown Away!

Bill Gurstelle has done it again! This is an amazing, entertaining, disruptive, instructive guide to fun. You could call it the true "Dangerous Ideas For Boys" and Girls book... because Bill shows you how to do all the things Mama told you not to... and makes an exceptionally compelling case for why it is meritorious to do them! The New York Times gave the book a glowing review today (June 10, 2009) which was well deserved. Never mind that, Bill taught me how to make a flamethrower ---perfectly safely, I promise :)--- and you can too. We live in an age where disruptive ides are critical to our future. Thank you, Bill! Moms and Dads: Buy the book for your kids! Give them the "license" to invent.

Great read, excellent projects!

Bill Gurstelle is a great maker who takes on ambitious projects and then shares them. This book follows in his great tradition of awesome books that combine great projects with storytelling. Besides being a book that gives you a roadmap for making life more interesting, it's got great projects and Bill's storytelling ability makes it a great read. Even if you want to live the dangerous life from an armchair perspective, you'll love this book! I give this book 5 stars for sheer entertainment value and for inspiring me to live life closer to the edge!