The Smell of Powder: A History of Duelling in New Zealand

Author(s): Donald Kerr

NZ History | Secondhand | Weaponry

It's hard to imagine it but it's not long ago that some people in NZ were sorting out their feuds with duels. Yes duels - mostly using pistols but occasionally swords. The last one recorded was in 1935 in Auckland. These duels were fought because of too much wine; quarrels over money; casting a slur over another's character; defending a young lady's honour, throwing an orange at someone's head; and there was even a literary duel between a poet and a newspaper editor! With illustrations by the inimitable David Elliot, The Smell of Powder: A History of Duelling in New Zealand is a gorgeous history and gift book all in one stunning package.


Product Information

Auckland educated Donald Kerr has worked with rare books collections for eighteen years. Prior to that he was a teacher, and worked in publishing. He is passionate about books and enjoys long term projects in book history, especially the history of collecting and the formation of private libraries. Married to a nutritionist, and with one son, he enjoys the easy life of Dunedin. He is currently Special Collections Librarian at the University of Otago. He does not duel.

General Fields

  • : 9781869418137
  • : Random House New Zealand Ltd
  • : Random House New Zealand Ltd
  • : 0.277
  • : October 0000
  • : 150x200mm
  • : New Zealand
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Donald Kerr
  • : Paperback
  • : illustrated edition
  • : 394.80993
  • : 160
  • : illustrations