Fencing is not a game but a science. The outcome is invariably the same: triumph or disaster, life or death...It is 1868; Spain teeters on the brink of revolution. Jaime Astarloa is a master-fencer of the old school, priding himself on the precision, dignity and honour of his ancient art; his friends spend their days in cafes discussing plots at court, but Jaime's obsession is to perfect the irresistible sword thrust. Then Adela de Otero, violet-eyed and enigmatic, appears at his door. When Jaime takes her on as a pupil he finds himself embroiled in dark political intrigues against which his old-fashioned values are no protection.
- ISBN10 1860466656
- ISBN13 9781860466656
- Publish Date 30 December 1999 (first published 29 January 1999)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 21 July 2004
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Vintage Publishing
- Imprint The Harvill Press
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 212
- Language English