About the book: 2013 / The first fundamental study of the culture of folk duels is offered to the attention of readers. Based on a wealth of factual material, the author examines the traditions of knife fights in Europe and America, the rituals and codes of honor surrounding these duels. The reader will learn what tango, flamenco and fado music have to do with knife duels, how the Finnish knife - the legendary "Finnish woman" - came to Russia, as well as who and when created his chilling reputation, how Al Capone got his scars, why Jack's case The Ripper caused such a resonance and much, much more. This fascinating story will be interesting not only to fans of the history of martial arts, cultural experts, ethnologists or historians, but also to a wide range of readers.