Dueling

It wasn't that long ago that dueling was an accepted practice in many parts of the world. In fact, duels were once considered an honorable way to solve a problem. The American navy actually included the Code Duello, the rules for conducting a duel, in its handbook until 1862. Readers are introduced to the special language of dueling and the famous people who participated in duels--or narrowly avoided them--including Andrew Jackson, Edgar Allen Poe, and Alexander Hamilton. Surprising facts are highlighted in sidebars throughout the text, such as the common practice of purposefully shooting away from one's opponent. Dynamic images and illustrations transport readers back to the days of pistols drawn at dawn.