The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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fl. 1000s
Chinese author of Wu Ching Tsung Yao (1044), an encyclopedia in which early Chinese versions of gunpowder are mentioned. Tseng wrote that these mixtures, often containing petrochemicals and even garlic or honey, were useful in flamethrowing devices, fireworks, and rockets. Though the Chinese probably used firecrackers as early as the sixth century, these did not contain gunpowder. Tseng's manuscript supports the theory that the Chinese had indeed invented gunpowder by the eleventh century.