What could have been a somewhat dry book turns out instead to be an informative, fast-paced, entertaining read, full of fascinating facts and figures, including some truly bizarre duelling episodes throughout history.This is due to Landale's decision to interweave his ancestor's story - a gripping yarn dished out in suspense-filled measures - with the history of duelling itself.
Metro
...this rich territory is mined by Landale with great brio, and shrewd selection.
The Times (London)
Not only a compelling, colourful and entertaining take of death, honour and dueling but also a fascinating history of the rise and fall of the duel itself.
Simon Sebag Montefiore
Lively and illuminating. What lifts this book from intriguing anecdote to illuminating social history is the skilful way that the author interviews the particular details of this duel with reflections on the changing nature of duelling in general.
Financial Times (Scotland)
This absorbing book looks at not just the case, but the culture and history surrounding the utterly bizarre concept of the duel.
The Daily Mirror (London)
Duel is a gem, one of those books so delightful to read that you whizz through it in no time before recommending it to all your friends.
Mail on Sunday (London)
With the compellingly told narrative of his ancestor's lethal quarrel, James Landale has skilfully interwoven an account of the origins and development of duelling. He pays close attention to the early 19th century and narrates lively accounts of various duels, particularly that in which Pushkin met his death.
Scotland on Sunday
...a remarkable achievement.
The Sunday Telegraph
An intelligent, gripping read...
Time Out
... reading this book I had to abandon my normal practice of turning back the corners of pages where I came across a particularly fine or interesting passage-- I was turning back the corner of almost every page.
Toronto Star