The Duel in European History: Honour and the Reign of Aristocracy - Softcover
For centuries, the duel played an integral role in the preservation of the aristocratic order in Europe, despite countless attempts by both church and state to ban the practice. The drama of the duel has been romanticized in countless works of literature, and it has been an enduring fixture in films and theater reflecting the period. But how did the duel come to prominence in the first place as the form by which men staked their honor? And how did it develop its allure as a cultural and artistic device? Renowned historian Victor Kiernan explores these questions and more in The Duel in European History.
With wit and insight, Kiernan provides an entertaining history of the evolution of the ritual of the duel, beginning with its medieval origins—when it was regarded as a badge of rank—and following the practice up to the early twentieth century, by which time it had come to be seen as an irrational anachronism. Kiernan argues persuasively that the idea of the duel was unique to Europe and its colonies, and, in its contribution to the development of the officers corps, played a key part in shaping European military power. In doing so, he sheds new light on the ascendency of aristocratic classes and the role that their values played in European history.
This edition adds new depth to Kiernan’s fascinating historical account, with an original introduction from esteemed historian David Blackbourn, further exploring how and why the duel continues to ignite curiosity and the imagination.
With wit and insight, Kiernan provides an entertaining history of the evolution of the ritual of the duel, beginning with its medieval origins—when it was regarded as a badge of rank—and following the practice up to the early twentieth century, by which time it had come to be seen as an irrational anachronism. Kiernan argues persuasively that the idea of the duel was unique to Europe and its colonies, and, in its contribution to the development of the officers corps, played a key part in shaping European military power. In doing so, he sheds new light on the ascendency of aristocratic classes and the role that their values played in European history.
This edition adds new depth to Kiernan’s fascinating historical account, with an original introduction from esteemed historian David Blackbourn, further exploring how and why the duel continues to ignite curiosity and the imagination.
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About the Author:
Victor Kiernan (1913–2009) was one of Britain’s most distinguished historians and the author of The Lords of Human Kind, European Empires from Conquest to Collapse, and Shakespeare: Poet and Citizen, among many other books.
Review:
"Stuffed with excellent anecdotes." (Christopher Hill New York Review of Books)
"A great study." (James Guida New Yorker)
“Tthe whole book is entertaining, and during the course of its excursions from Southern Italy to the western shores of Ireland, or the eastern fringes of Russia, there is much wry humor on display reflected in a wealth of memorable anecdotes. Who could not be delighted to learn that a duel over an Irish horse race was prevented when one party thoughtfully turned up with a coffin already inscribed with the name of his putative opponent, or that the Fourth Duke of Richmond survived a notorious duel and then the battle of Waterloo only to die from a bite from a fox!” (EuropeNow)
"A great study." (James Guida New Yorker)
“Tthe whole book is entertaining, and during the course of its excursions from Southern Italy to the western shores of Ireland, or the eastern fringes of Russia, there is much wry humor on display reflected in a wealth of memorable anecdotes. Who could not be delighted to learn that a duel over an Irish horse race was prevented when one party thoughtfully turned up with a coffin already inscribed with the name of his putative opponent, or that the Fourth Duke of Richmond survived a notorious duel and then the battle of Waterloo only to die from a bite from a fox!” (EuropeNow)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherZed Books
- Publication date2016
- ISBN 10 1783608382
- ISBN 13 9781783608386
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages368
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