Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0441172393, Paperback)

THE CODE DUELLO. Once a barbaric custom that could only end in blood: thanks to the brilliant theoretical work of Dr. Leoh that culminated in the DUELING MACHINE,it became a civilized and therapeutic means of settling affairs of honor. Two antagonists would share the same dream of violence until one of them was dead. Then winner and loser would leave the machine in perfect health and harmony. Until one day a stranger began to make enemies--important enemies--and his enemies left the machine DEAD. It seemed impossible...and it was only the beginning. Ben Bova is the author of numerous science fiction novels and other works. As the Editor of "Analog" he has been nominated for the Hogo Award every year for the past five years--and won every time. There is no end in sight.