ANNOTATION: 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 forest 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 slowly cooking marshmallow. He uses these illustrations to introduce readers to wildland fire behavior, fire types, and fuel levels-indispensable information for firefighters and fire managers, as well as homeowners who live in the wildland/urban interface. The Book of Fire is a also a good resource for city dwellers who want to know the contents of smoky air or understand what really happened when the local newspaper says a wildfire "made a run." A glossary contains the most up-to-date terminology used by firefighters and fire managers.