Mensur & Schmiss: German dueling societies : a photographic history : selections from the Burns Archive

Abstract

"This is the first photographic history of the student academic duel - the Mensur. This fascinating Western Europan cultural ritual has been practiced in Germany since the eighteenth century. The photographs encompass all elements - the preparation, fight, aftermath, combatants, seconds, referees, spectators and attending surgeons, as well as the celebrations and social functions. The Mensur often results in a Schmiss, a facial scar. This cherished scar is a badge of honor, signifying masculinty, courage and high social position. This compilation of over 175 images of Germanic student life emphasizes the Corps and other elite fraternity groups that engaged in Mensur and vividly documents the camaraderie, seriousness, reality and violence of the academic duels."--Back cover.