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Meanwhile, somewhere in 18th century England, fireworks are "transitory and useless"

Often it seems that human nature never changes and - bar a few details - some complaints could be heard today.  Aren't fireworks a waste of money?  These huge displays along the Thames, on such a scale, surely the money could be put to better use.  Well, this chap seems to think so in his letter of January 1749.

However, just as now, not everyone shares his opinion.  Certainly not the Duke of Richmond, who gave a grand entertainment to the Duke of Modena on Monday 15th May of the same year.



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