n By The Sword by Richard Cohen (Pan, £8.99)

IT'S hardly surprising that the sport of fencing, enjoyed by many throughout the world, owes its origins to warfare.

The Romans were probably the first global empire builders to appreciate the combined power of highly disciplined ranks of blade-wielding infantry.

Centuries later, when the legions had long departed for home, the emerging European nations carried on the martial skills that had been bequeathed to them.

But it was probably the emergence of the honourable contest - the duel - that took the art of swordplay to greater heights.

Even into the first years of the last century, duels were being fought all over the continent, especially in France and Italy.

In Britain, a fight to the death for some insult - real or imagined - was commonplace until the Victorian Age gradually superseded the traditions of bloodier times.

Army officers, politicians, journalists... they were all at it.

Campaigning columnist Daniel Defoe was often challenged about what he had written and on several occasions "had satisfaction". In his case, it would appear that the sword was sometimes mightier than the pen.

I like it - that's certainly one method of dealing with people who can't cope with contrasting views.

Sexual politics also invariably resulted in bloodshed, too. Cuckolds sometimes killed their rivals, or died at the hands of the other party.

This is a masterly stroll through a fascinating subject. The author succinctly and consistently makes his point - in more ways than one - as the eventful story of the sword unfolds.

John Phillpott