Скачать или смотреть *Insert Pointing Spiderman Meme* | The 1897 Duel between Marcel Proust and John Lorrain

In 1897, French author Marcel Proust fought a duel with critic Jean Lorrain after Lorrain accused him of having a homosexual relationship with Lucien Daudet, son of novelist Alphonse Daudet. Though both men were likely gay, Proust saw the accusation as an attack on his honor and challenged Lorrain.

The duel, held in the forest of Meudon with pistols at 25 paces, ended harmlessly: Proust’s shot landed near Lorrain’s foot, and Lorrain missed entirely. Witnesses agreed Proust’s honor was restored. Despite continuing to dislike each other, the incident was settled, and the press reported on it widely.

Proust later cited his composure during the duel as proof of his character. Luckily, Lorrain’s poor aim left Proust free to later write In Search of Lost Time, one of literature’s great masterpieces.