Norris, John

Pistols at Dawn : A History of Dueling

In modern society the thought that someone would organise a deadly contest with a rival, risking his life over a point of honour, is incomprehensible. That this form of conflict resolution would become an accepted 'sport', with noble gentlemen even possessing sets of special duelling pistols , appears insane. This fascinating history of the practice of duelling takes the reader into the intriguing world of pistols, 'fields of honour' and mortal combat, a world where complex rules governed a system of dispute which often ended in death. With tales of tragic loss, ridiculous quarrels and often hilarious combat, John Norris takes the reader on a journey of discovery through some of the most dramatic disputes of history.

The History Press 2009

Hardback with DJ