Pistols at Ten Paces: The Story of the Code of Honor in America

Pistols At Ten Paces: The Story Of The Code Of Honor In America by William Oliver Stevens is a comprehensive historical account of the practice of dueling and the code of honor in America from the colonial period to the 20th century. The book examines the origins of the code of honor in Europe and its adoption by American society, tracing its evolution from a means of resolving disputes to a symbol of masculinity and honor.Stevens explores the cultural and social factors that contributed to the popularity of dueling in America, including the influence of the aristocracy, the rise of individualism, and the importance of honor and reputation in a rapidly changing society. He also delves into the legal and political ramifications of dueling, including the efforts to ban it and the legal consequences for participants.The book features numerous accounts of famous duels and their participants, including Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, Andrew Jackson, and Henry Clay. Stevens also examines the role of dueling in literature and popular culture, from the works of Mark Twain to the films of Sergio Leone.Overall, Pistols At Ten Paces is a fascinating and informative look at a little-known aspect of American history, shedding light on the complex and often contradictory values of honor, masculinity, and violence that shaped the nation's early years.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.