Joseph Hamilton

Profoundly embeded in our cultural consciousness, the art of duelling evokes images of a dramatic past, where the laws of courtesy, civility, and honor were enforced by the end of a rapier at the first rays of dawn. In this engrossng historical record of the codes and conduct of the duel-originally written in 1829 as 'The only approved guide through all the stages of a quarrel'-every aspect of the arcane practice is brought to fascinating light.

Offering authentic advice on such subjects as show more withdrawal of challenges, weapons, distance, and the fate of survivors, The Duelling Handbook also brims with vivid anecdotes recounting duels between brothers, duels between friends, and those arising from disagreements over religion, women, gambling, and other volatile standpoints. A geniuine historical treasure, Hamilton's unequaled guidebook wil captivate-and enlighten-a wise audience of readers, especially those intrigued by the moral and socialolgical issues surrounding the art of the duel.

Dover (2007) unabridged republication of The Only Approved Guide Through All the Stages of a Quarrel: Containing the Royal Code of Honor; Reflections Upon Duelling; and the Outline of a Court for the Adjustment of Disputes, originally published by Hatchard & Sons, London, 1829. 192 pp. 5 3/8 x 8 1/2. Paperbound.

Contents

Dedication
The point of honour
Testimonials form prince, nobleman, clergyman, officer, and author
The rroyal code of honor
The court of honor circular
Brief anecdotes of duelling
Royal and Viceragal quarrels
Danger of being seconds, or by-standers
Successful interference
Imprudence of friends and relatives
Trifling causes of quarrel
Quarrels arising from mistakes
Duels between brothers
Duels between friends
Quarrelsome persons
Tricks and strategems
Responsibility of the press
Responsibility of the bar
Responsibility of public functionaries
Quarrels about ladies
Influence of woman
Quarrels about religion
Appeals to the laws
Recoginizance to keep the peace
Gambling quarrels
Obsolete regulations
The Irish duellist
Notes and cases
Apologies
Fate of survivors
Disobedient principals
Challenges withdrawn
Refusing to fire at an injured challenger
Alternate firing
A snap is a good as a shot
Drawing blood or firing in the air
Disuse of the horsewhip
Deciding elections by a shot
Danger of publicity
Diminishing the mark
Distance
Slighted challenges
Surgeoins in attendance
Jokes and horse play
Season and weather
One second
Pistols
Double duels
Written statements
Gererosity of combatants
Courage Boasters
Court of chivalry
Anti-duellists show less

Some interesting bits but overall disappointing. It's really a book trying to stop or at least civilize dueling. My issue is that it has a lot of anecdotes discussing people whom the reader will have no idea of who they are and there isn't any commentary or explanation.

Interesting to consider that this custom, which the author despaired of seeing disappear, was practically eliminated within a few more decades in England.