The History of Duelling. Vol. 1 (of 2)

A sweeping survey of the practice that once settled scores with pistols and swords, this volume traces duelling from its barbaric roots in ancient societies to its uneasy place in the polished circles of the 19th‑century elite. The author peels back the romantic veneer of chivalry to reveal a stark evolution: early combats that resembled little more than sanctioned murders, the rise of personal honor as a social currency, and the shifting moral debates that kept the ritual alive across centuries.

Interwoven with vivid accounts of the most infamous confrontations, the narrative offers a window into the mindset of those who saw the duel as a necessary safeguard of reputation and family. By examining the cultural, legal, and philosophical underpinnings of each era, the work invites listeners to contemplate how a practice rooted in survival and vengeance persisted amid the trappings of civilization—making history feel both immediate and strikingly relevant.