Dueling in Charleston: Violence Refined in the Holy City

Though no landmarks or memorials formally recognize dueling in Charleston, it remains a quintessential element of the Holy City's legacy. Most upstanding locals nourished the duelist's tradition, many going so far as to make it an integral part of their social lives. For a time, even the most casual character insults or slurs toward one's moral fiber or family lineage invited a challenge, and almost always, the offended party was expected to retaliate. Thus, finding full expression in frequency and public acceptance throughout the Lowcountry, a gentleman's duel was a crucial--albeit deadly--matter of taste and caste. For two centuries, Charlestonians dueled habitually, settling personal grievances with malice instead of mediation. Charleston historian J. Grahame Long presents a charming portrait of this dreadfully civilized custom.

Author: J. Long

Publisher: History Press Library Editions

Publication Date: Nov 20, 2012

Number of Pages: 162 pages

Binding: Hardback or Cased Book

ISBN-10: 154023116X

ISBN-13: 9781540231161