When attorney John Jay Cornelison severely beat Kentucky Superior Courtjudge Richard Reid in public on April 16, 1884, for allegedly injuring hishonor, the event became front-page news. Would Reid react as a Christiangentleman, a man of the law, and let the legal system take its course, or wouldhe follow the manly dictates of the code of honor and challenge his assailant?James C. Klotter crafts a detective story, using historical, medical, legal, andpsychological clues to piece together answers to the tragedy that followed."e;This book is a gem. . . . Klotter's astute organization and gripping narrativeadd to the book's appeal. . . . [He] has written a fascinating book that will beof interest to a wide audience."e;-American Historical Review"e;A moving story well told, it does force the reader to reflect on our own era andconsider whether we value leaders who respect the rule of law or those whobelieve that honor demands swift and bloody vengeance no matter the costs."e;-Ohio Valley History"e;A rich and compelling work that offers fresh insights into the tense interplayamong religion, law, and honor in the American South."e;-Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

When attorney John Jay Cornelison severely beat Kentucky Superior Courtjudge Richard Reid in public on April 16, 1884, for allegedly injuring hishonor, the event became front-page news. Would Reid react as a Christiangentleman, a man of the law, and let the legal system take its course, or wouldhe follow the manly dictates of the code of honor and challenge his assailant?James C. Klotter crafts a detective story, using historical, medical, legal, andpsychological clues to piece together answers to the tragedy that followed."e;This book is a gem. . . . Klotter's astute organization and gripping narrativeadd to the book's appeal. . . . [He] has written a fascinating book that will beof interest to a wide audience."e;-American Historical Review"e;A moving story well told, it does force the reader to reflect on our own era andconsider whether we value leaders who respect the rule of law or those whobelieve that honor demands swift and bloody vengeance no matter the costs."e;-Ohio Valley History"e;A rich and compelling work that offers fresh insights into the tense interplayamong religion, law, and honor in the American South."e;-Register of the Kentucky Historical Society