BOOK BLURB:
A fascinating history, packed with eye-witness accounts, of the duel. Duelling is deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, through numerous films and books: it evokes a golden past, of gentlemen defending their honour in the early morning light of a wooded glade, of frockcoats, rapiers and pistols. Richard Hopton traces the history of the duel from its medieval antecedents in trial by combat and chivalric tournaments. Using numerous vivid accounts of actual duels, he shows how the arcane rules of the duel evolved - and why so many felt compelled to fight them, often with fatal results.
REVIEW:
If there’s one thing that is certain to grab the attention of a generation raised on fantasy then it’s the honourable pursuit of the duel. Where did it begin? Why did it start? Who were the chief duelists?
Well this book answers these questions and more including the laws surrounding trial by combat alongside how its used in modern times. Its well written, it’s a fascinating subject with the author presenting the information in not only fascinating detail but keeps it witty as well as detailed without bogging the reader down with mindless statistics or useless information. A cracker of a book and one that I’m definitely buying for a few history fans that I happen to know.
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