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This book was the basis for the Ridley Scott feature film "The Duellists," made in 1977. Being a fan of that film is what originally drew me to this book; I wanted the flavor of the original, which is why I chose the illustrated edition. Overall, this edition is very nicely done; it's "fit and finish" is excellent. Some post-copyright books I have read in the past look like they were made at Kinko's, not so with this one. My only real beef overall is that the illustrations are grayscale; I have seen the color versions of these illustrations, and they are remarkable - I would hang them in my home. Another word on the illustrations, Mr. Scott must have had a copy of this book on set, because the images in the book and in the film are uncannily similar. Another reason to love the movie; but since this is not a film review...on to the story!
It centers on two young Cavalry officers of Napoleon's army, Ferraud and D'Hubert. These young men find themselves engaged in a duel over a perceived slight. This initial duel, while seeming trivial at the time, evolves into a feud that lasts for twenty years. This fight is perpetuated not only by the men themselves, but by the whole of the army; "for the honor of the Regiment" as it were. They not only have the pressure of the duel itself to contend with, but the pressure of their respective colleagues. The duel finally ends when they are in their forties (old by Napoleonic standards) and both having reached the rank of Colonel. They do suspend the duel on one occasion, however; while in Russia, they have to work together to repel the enemy. It is, in fact, a case of "mission first."
The book was first published in 1908, written by a man that spent a large portion of his life in the 19th century, so the wording may be a bit old-fashioned to modern readers. Nevertheless, it is a marvelous piece of writing.
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Lowlander
Very unusual. Worth reading as is usual book is ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 26, 2015
