First Edition on Duelling

Cambridge: Printed by J. Archdeacon Printer to the University; for J. and J. Merrill et al., 1784. 220 by 145mm (8¾ by 5¾ inches). [4], 98 pp. Finely and beautifully rebound in antique style; full, gilt tooled calf with red morocco spine label. First edition.

Very good, except minor tears to title page in gutter; binding near fine.

Richard Hey (1745–1835) was an English academic essayist and writer against gambling. This book provides an extensive discussion of dueling. Topics covered include fairness in fights and fighting upon even terms, proportioning of punishment, an analysis of whether dueling benefits society, and a legal analysis of whether dueling is illegal. Much of the book concentrates on the question of ​“honor”. What is honor and should it be defended?

Included at rear is an ad for the author’s other dissertation on the ​“Pernicious Effects of Gaming.” Both works won prizes at the University of Cambridge, this one in May 1784. This book was popular enough to be printed in three editions (2^nd in 1801 and then 3^rd in 1835). The first edition from 1784 is especially hard to find with no other currently listed for sale and the last Rarebookhub record of a first edition is from 1909.