In Don Juan and the Point of Honor, James Mandrell undertakes a systematic examination of the many questions surrounding the legendary character. On the one hand, it might be argued that Don Juan threatens society, since he is supposedly an agent of social anarchy. On the other hand, given his intriguing sexual accomplishments, he could be viewed as a positive expression of life itself. James Mandrell shows what is at stake in the asking of such questions and, moreover, what is at stake in representations and considerations of Don Juan.

After a discussion of the ways that...