Putting aside Roman gladiators and gun-slingers of the American Wild
West, by the 19th century duelling had become the sole domain of
nobility, military officers and gentleman, with rules added to make sure
everything was conducted in a fair and professional manner. The word
'honour' became popular, because it was the reason why most men would
challenge another to a duel. This book challenges that notion and asks
whether it was really about honour at all, or was it more about
arrogance or social standing?
Over time kings, leaders and governments passed rules, decrees, edicts
and laws banning the practice, but still it continued, even when the
duellists knew that the punishment for taking part in such an event
could be their own death. The last known duel with swords in France took
place at a private residence just outside of Paris in 1967 between two
politicians, Gaston Deferre and Rene Ribiere. It was ended after
Ribiere, who was due to be married the following day, was twice cut on
the arm by Gaston.
The book also looks at some of the more humorous, unusual and least
expected ways people found to conduct their duels, including throwing
billiard balls at each other, duelling whilst sat on the backs of
elephants, and two men who decided their differences should be settled
half a mile up in the sky in hot air balloons.
With more efforts to bring about an end to duelling, the upper classes
of British society in particular still held on to the idea of being able
to defend their honour, which saw many of them turn to pugilism as a way
to sate their disputes, however ridiculous they might appear today.
