Dueling In Charleston Violence Refined In The Holy City

Download or read book Dueling in Charleston written by J. Grahame Long and published by Arcadia Publishing. This book was released on 2012-11-20 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.