The Duel: A History of Duelling [Hardcover]

Robert Baldick (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 212 pages
• Publisher: Spring Books; Re-issue edition (January 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0600328376
• ISBN-13: 978-0600328377
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,179,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Duelling Code, or Code Duello, March 11, 2003

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Duel: A History of Duelling (Hardcover)

Personally, I have found this to be the best modern source on the history and practice of the formal duel. Here you have spelled out the rules and customs by which a duel is begun, when duelling is permissable, conditions for a duel, seconds, the actual conduct of the duel itself, and the finish of the duel. In addition to this, the author has admirably covered historical, cultural, and local variations. The variety of techniques and tools used in duelling are also described and illustrated.

This book sets straight modern misconceptions about this ancient practice. The duel is an affair of honor, between two men of honor. It is not a matter of ego gratification, it is simply the ultimate statement of whether or not a gentleman is willing to stand behind his words and actions no matter the consequences. There is also an unstated faith in the knightly ideal that the right must prevail in acts of single combat under the eyes of God. There should be no intimidation involved, for no duel can be fought without mutual consent. No one can be forced into a duel. To attempt to force, or shame, another into an affair of honor is an affront to honor itself and a cause for complete censure from polite society.

In the days when duelling was practiced, society tended to be much more civil. A gentlemen knew that he could be called to ultimate account for his words, therefore he did not speak carelessly. Moreover, unless proven otherwise, one knew that a gentleman's word was truly his bond. Gentlemen were also much more certain and thoughtful of their convictions, for they had to be sure if they truly believed in such convictions strongly enough to defend them if called upon to do so.