The Last Duel Summary
Eric Jager

The Last Duel Overview

Eric Jager's historical novel, The Last Duel, follows the events of Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris in the 1380s. Though the two men were once friends, Jean had fallen out of favor at court while Jacques had become wealthier and more important. Their animosity came to a head when Jean's wife, the beautiful Marguerite, accused Jacques of rape. Jean worked the legal system all the way to the Parlement of Paris and King Charles where he was granted the right to a judicial duel, the last to be approved through proper channels. Although Jean prevailed on the battlefield, some never believed Jacques was actually guilty of the crime. The book's main themes are the role of the judicial duel, the importance of social and political standings, and the role of family connections.