The Napoleonic Quarterly

1800. January… February… March… Three months in which Jean-Victor Moreau’s snowy victory at Hohenlinden takes the Austrians out of the war… Napoleon Bonaparte survives the world’s first car bombing attempt in Paris… And across the Atlantic those huge swathes of land west of the Appalachians change hands between the European powers once again, causing disquiet in Washington DC. This is episode 36 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which French military prowess once again proves decisive.

[09:32] - Headline developments

[24:32] - Alan Forrest on the 'Infernal Machine' assassination attempt on Bonaparte's life

[49:06] - Hans-Karl Weiss on the Battle of Hohenlinden

[1:08:44] - Preliminary discussion on the Treaty of San Il Defonso

[1:15:55] - Kathy Burk on the Treaty of San Il Defonso

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to conclude their analysis of the film. Yes that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

'Napoleon' screenwriter David Scarpa's Write On interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/61AWkKbfIco9D4bcRYCIeu?si=fREIQvLPREKn2_LtlID-fw

Joachim Phoenix's ReelBlend interview:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/06YMu88cGK6eEfTqd24OYu?si=J5K4YbA2TXmiOAHPZ0x3hQ

Music: Solo Cello Passion - Doug Maxwell, Media Right Productions

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those making Sir Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse and perhaps explain the approach taken by the film's creators. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

Could some of the decisions made by those behind Sir Ridley Scott's spectacle-filled 'Napoleon' (2023) be better understood by the generally disappointed Napoleonic community? Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting, to analyse the film in 15-minute chunks. Yes, that's right, it's the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly - taking the epic frustrations of the 2023 film 15 minutes at a time.

New episodes of The 'Napoleon' Movie Quarter-Hourly to follow daily throughout March! before we return to normal service with episode 36 around 8 April.

1800. July... August... September. Three months in which the British seek to feel less insecure in southern India... in the Baltic the Russians look to muster Danish and Swedish forces against the Royal Navy... and as the United States patches things up with France, domestic tempers fray amidst the election of 1800. This is episode 35 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three worrisome months for the British as the Second Coalition hangs by a thread.

David Hollins concludes his three-part deep dive into the military action of Q2-1800 with a full hour devoted to the Battle of Marengo, a big victory for Napoleon Bonaparte over the Austrians. There is more to this battle than meets the eye, however, and here David talks us through the detail. These more in-depth explorations are the first of their kind for this podcast; please let us know your views by emailing napoleonicquarterly[at]gmail.com.

In the middle episode of this three-parter covering the fighting of Q2-1800 in more detail David Hollins talks through the siege of Genoa, Napoleon Bonaparte's famous crossing of the Alps and the critical role of the spy Carlo Gioelli - all in the build-up to the battle of Marengo.

Here's a deep dive into the fighting of 1800 in southern Germany which culminated in the battle of Höchstadt on 19 June. Thanks to David Hollins for talking us through the campaign and the battle which proved such a big breakthrough for France against the Austrians in such detail.

This is the first part of a multi-part episode, with more to come on the fighting south of the Alps and the battle of Marengo. Stay tuned!

[4:16] - French and Austrian military planning in Q1-1800

[26:23] - who was Jean-Victor Moreau?

[33:10] - description of the campaign

[49:50] - the Battle of Höchstadt

Liam Gauci, curator at the Malta Maritime Museum, interviews Sakis Gekas, Associate Professor in the Department of History at York University. Dr Gekas is Hellenic Heritage Foundation Chair of Modern Greek History.

Following their conversation about the establishment of the Septinsular Republic on April 2nd 1800, Liam and Sakis explore the subsequent story of the Ionian Islands under French and British rule; their strategic significance for the Royal Navy; and the role of 'King Tom', Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Maitland, who ruled both Malta and the Ionian Islands.

Listen to the Hellenic Heritage Foundation's series on Greek independence here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rZzkaIwLI53F2HCbQeHNx

1800... April... May... June... Three months in which Generals Desaix and Kellermann help Napoleon to victory against the Austrians at Marengo... French hopes in Egypt receive a big setback with the assassination of their commander, General Kleber... and in the Ionian Islands off mainland Greece, a new republic emerges out of political turmoil. This is episode 34 of the Napoleonic Quarterly, in which the French succeed not only in north Italy but also in southern Germany with a decidedly underappreciated breakthrough.

[06:55] - headline developments

[09:08] - extended introduction in which Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze discuss the political and strategic importance across Europe of the Marengo and Hochstadt victories

[32:18] - David Hollins on the fighting in south Germany and north Italy, including the battles of Hochstadt and Marengo

[54:10] - Charles Mackay on the French in Egypt, including the Battle of Heliopolis and the assassination of General Kleber

[1:16:29] - Liam Gauci interviews Sakis Gekas on the establishment of the Septinsular Republic in the Ionian Islands

Professor Emeritus Elise Wirtschafter of CalPolyPomona is joined by Alexander Mikaberidze and Charles Esdaile to discuss the unique nature of Russian imperialism; and the challenges and responsibilities of being historians in times of war.

1800. January... February... March... Three months in which Napoleon Bonaparte familiarises himself with the levers of power... French general Jean-Victor Moreau's battle plans clash with those of his new boss... and the election to choose a new Pope becomes delayed by division. This is episode 33 of the Napoleonic Quarterly, covering three months in which the world gets used to its new century - and France to its new leader.

Featuring an extended introduction with Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze looking ahead to the two years covered by season 5 of the podcast. Plus:

[25:05] - William Doyle on Bonaparte's to-do list as France's new leader

[45:54] - David Hollins on military planning for the coming year's campaigning

[1:02:57] - Mary Robinson on the Papal Election

Bernie Campbell is joined by Charles, Alexes x2, Josh and a host of contributors and Patrons to assess the rather disappointing Hollywood blockbuster 'Napoleon'. Discussion points included:

-how Spain played absolutely no part in the Napoleonic Wars whatsoever

-the hitherto unappreciated importance of trenches at Waterloo

-why Josephine shouting 'you are fat! ' is one of the most important cinematic moments of the 21st-century

-precisely what they got wrong about those uniforms...

Become a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

This third edition of 'Napoleonic Qs', our listener Q&A format, was recorded on 19 November 2023. Thanks to all those who have commented or left questions!

Introductory section: Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze offer their thoughts on director Ridley Scott's attacks on historians.

[13:30] - On abusive language targeting Prof Esdaile

[23:47] - Mystery guest @liamgauci13 pops up to share some exciting news about this auction lot: https://www.auction.fr/lot/lempire-1-collection-jean-louis-noisiez-74470974?utm_source=alertes&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-Fri-2023-11-03

[35:32] - why the British (probably) made the fabric used for French uniforms

[39:07] - books!

[50:50] - the diplomatic lay of the land in the Nordic countries during the period

[1:00:25] - moral relativism, 18thC 'war crimes' and modern connections to historic slavery

[1:08:23] - why no French scholars on the podcast?

[1:10:42] - nice words about the Napoleonic Quarterly - including some nice words of our own about The Napoleonic Wars Podcast's Zack White.

William Doyle is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Bristol. As the author of the Oxford History of the French Revolution he is also the rescuer of many an undergraduate essay crisis. William's new book Napoleon At Peace, however, sees him examine Bonaparte's performance in the top job in those first years of the 19th century. Its subtitle, 'How To End A Revolution', gives you a sense of the scale of the task he faced

Prof Doyle on Bonaparte: "What hit me is the sheer ability of the man - how able he actually was, how many balls he was able to keep in the air at any particular time. Whatever you think of him morally - and he's a very nasty type in all sorts of ways - nevertheless, the sheer ability of the man cannot fail to be impressive."

How much of the Revolution was over by the time Napoleon Bonaparte came to power? Prof Doyle: "None of it."

1799. October... November... December... Three months in which Napoleon Bonaparte forces France away from democratic politics in the coup of Brumaire... a frustrated and disappointed Tsar Paul gives up on the Second Coalition... and after another British failure in the Low Countries, British ministers are in denial. This is episode 32 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which France has a new leader as the new century approaches.

Napoleonic Quarterly regulars Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze join Alex Stevenson to respond to listeners' questions and comments.

Featuring the following topics:

[3:46] - an anti-Charles missive

[21:07] - the sexual proclivities of Napoleon Bonaparte

[32:39] - French leadership in the Revolution and afterwards: executive by committee vs strongman, with an answer from David Andress

[41:22] - William Pitt's role in Britain's success

[47:04] - Activity on the Rhine / in Germany during 1798, with an answer from David Hollins

[55:16] - the massacre at Jaffa

1799. July… August… September… Three months in which the Allies’ pivot north to Switzerland fails thanks to a fightback from Massena... the British team up with the Russians in a bid to stir up Holland… And in Egypt Napoleon Bonaparte wins another victory for the French against the Ottomans - before sneaking off in the night on a fast ship back to France. This is episode 31 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months of desperate fighting - and desperate measures.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

[06:07] - Headline developments

[16:54] - David Hollins on the fighting in Germany

[50:49] - Phil Ball on the British-Russian efforts in Holland

[1:10:32] - Charles Mackay on the Battle of Aboukir

Plus Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze join us throughout to talk through their perspectives on the period.

This bonus episode is really more of a planning meeting than an actual episode of the Napoleonic Quarterly. It contains all the features of a modern online discussion: unscheduled coughs, rustling, unscheduled sniffles, people talking over each other, variable audio quality and strange buzzing sounds appearing at intermittent intervals. However, listeners may be willing to put up with all this if they want to hear how the sausage gets made - all the wrangling and negotiations and balancing and hand-wringing that goes into deciding the key quesrtion of: what should we have as our three interview segments for the eight episodes covering 1800 and 1801? For this episode Josh Provan takes the reins; Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze give their views; the newly-appointed Quartermaster-General Alex Stevenson reveals what he had had in mind ten years ago; and Bernie Campbell summarises the views of the Patrons attending, including the very welcome season 4 contributor David Hollins. In summary, the first part of 1800 is something of a mess but things definitely improve in 1801. So stick with us, if you can!

Jonathan North, Napoleonic historian and author of several books including 'Nelson at Naples 1799', sets out why he believes Horatio Nelson's conduct in 1799 constitutes more than a mere stain on his character. This episode contains content which some pro-British listeners may find alarming.

1799. April… May… June… Three months in which the Austrians and the Russians make sweeping Italian gains... Beleaguered French forces find themselves clinging on in Syria against the Ottomans… And in India Tippu Sultan meets a grisly end at the hands of the British. This is episode 30 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months of bloodshed and tensions as the empires fight back.

[08:25] - Headline developments, with thanks to Josh Provan. Video version: https://www.facebook.com/100064278330452/videos/1420607152055841

[16:43] - Short mini-segment on 'Nelson's war crime'

[23:13] - David Hollins on the fighting in north Italy and Switzerland

[49:33] - Charles Mackay on the Battle of Mt Tabor

[1:05:22] - Josh Provan on the fall of Seringapatam

Charles Mackay, known to Napoleonic Twitter by his brilliant soubriquet @BubblesVampire, had his PhD on Napoleonic nearly-man Andoche Junot supervised by the late great Donald D. Horward. We'll be hearing from Charles on the latest goings-on in Egypt in episodes 30 and 31, but hear he is talking us through the life of a complicated, wounded, not-always-likeable personality. Given Junot's multiple head wounds, and h is habit of self-medicating on opium and alchool, it is perhaps remarkable he accomplished as much as he did before his demons overtook him.

Professor Emeritus Elise Kimerling Wirtschafter of CalPolyPomona's long academic career studying Russian history has almost come full circle: beginning in the Cold War context, she has seen very different attitudes emerge in the three decades before Putin's invasion of Ukraine. In this fascinating extended interview Elise talks us through that journey and explains how, even after all these years, there are still plenty of question-marks to ponder about Russia's place in the world.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1799. January.. February... March... Three months in which the Austrians push the French back in southern Germany… Napoleon Bonaparte runs up against Sidney Smith and the Royal Navy in Syria… And in Naples the newly-installed republicans face a challenge from Cardinal Ruffo and his ruffians. This is episode 29 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months of wavering French fortunes.

[06:11] - Headline developments, courtesy of Josh Provan

[14:00] - David Hollins on the fighting in southern Germany

[31:55] - Everett Rummage on Napoleon's expedition from Egypt to El-Arish, Jaffa and Acre

[43:12] - An extended discussion between Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze on the logic of Bonaparte's advance - and the ethics of the Jaffa massacre of prisoners-of-war

[57:07] - Jonathan North on Naples

[1:13:18] - Charles and Alex size up the situation at the end of March 1799.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1798. October… November… December… Three months in which the French in Egypt simply pretend the Battle of the Nile never happened… Nelson talks Naples into an ill-advised attack against the French in central Italy… And Russia joins a fledgling Second Coalition against French aggression. This is episode 28 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months of slow-burning diplomatic backlash against France and its Egyptian gambit.

[15:38] - Everett Rummage on the Cairo revolt and French efforts to quash Mameluke resistance in upper Egypt

[35:42] - Jonathan North on the ill-fated Neapolitan invasion of the Papal States

[1:01:34] - Elise K. Wirtschafter on Russia's decision to join the Second Coalition

Plus from [1:11:27] Charles Esdaile on storming form sets out how the French had the Second Coalition coming to them, and is surprised by Alex Mikaberidze very much agreeing with him.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Rachel Blackman-Rogers discusses Britain's naval and maritime strategy throughout the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars with Professor Andrew Lambert of King's College London's Department of War Studies.

[2:38] - misconceptions of naval fiction

[6:35] - prize money

[9:22] - the City and the Admiralty

[12:18] - the bond between officers and men (and when it got broken)

[14:33] - the 'we were treated horribly' sub-genre of maritime memoir literature

[16:28] - impressment as an occupational hazard

[19:46] - everything wrong with the French navy

[24:18] - targeting French privateers

[27:56] - French colonial losses

[32:47] - the Scheldt as the big British invasion launchpad

[39:48] - Europe's transformed armies after 1805/6

[41:36] - how Britain helped - and fought - the Russian navy

[44:44] - the War of 1812

[52:02] - how Britain's focus on sound money helped the war effort

[55:27] - why Britain's Caribbean colony-grabbing wasn't entirely imperialistic

[57:43] - how Nelson lived on after Trafalgar.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1798. July… August… September… Three months in which Bonaparte shatters the Mamelukes at the Battle of the Pyramids… Horatio Nelson shatters the French at the Battle of the Nile… And the diplomatically outraged United States threatens its ex-ally France with war. This is episode 27 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which France’s Egyptian adventure tastes success on land - and then disaster at sea.

[11:38] A bonus mini-segment concluding the grim story of the Irish Rebellion from Ciaran McDonnell

[17:46] Everett Rummage on Bonaparte's advance to Cairo and the Battle of the Pyramids

[28:48] An extended discussion between our didactic duo Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze on the Egyptian campaign

[49:18] Rachel Blackman-Rogers on the Battle of the Nile

[1:07:54] Frank Cogliano on the Quasi-War between France and the United States

[1:23:22] Closing thoughts from Charles and Alex as they assess the situation at the end of September 1798.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Alexander Mikaberidze is joined by Charles Esdaile and special guest Simon Sebag Montefiore for the second in our 'Ukraine Quarterly' occasional series of panel discussions. As the conflict in Ukraine enters its second year their discussion about the war and its historical antecedents offers insights into the way the fighting is playing out today. What are the strengths and (mostly) weaknesses of Russia's autocracy? Why does Ukraine need to continue grappling with its own past? Why does Potemkin matter so much to Putin? 

The Financial Times article Alex mentions at the beginning can be read here (although to note it's behind a paywall): 

https://www.ft.com/content/80002564-33e8-48fb-b734-44810afb7a49

Simon Sebag Montefiore's website featuring all of his books can be reached here:

http://www.simonsebagmontefiore.com/

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1798. April… May… June… Three months in which Horatio Nelson utterly fails to track down Napoelon Bonaparte’s fleet heading for Egypt… Rebellion finally breaks out in Ireland where anger and frustration and repression soon lead to bloodshed... And on the Indian sub-continent a newly arrived British leader set on imperial expansion soon gets to work. 

This is episode 26 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months of empty Mediterranean horizons - bad news for the British and very good news for the French.

[11:50] - Rachel Blackman-Rogers on Nelson's Mediterranean search as Bonaparte's fleet moves slowly towards Egypt

[30:18] - Ciaran McDonnell on the Irish Rebellion

[52:45] - Josh Provan on the British in India

And from [1:09:40] Alexander Mikaberidze and Charles Esdaile size up the situation midway through 1798, with all eyes on the French fleet disembarking at Alexandria.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Here's a new format we're piloting for the podcast... Alex Stevenson is joined by Phil Ball and Rachel Blackman-Rogers to size up the State of the Podcast and chew over a few questions from listeners. While the below provides a rough guide listeners should be advised the editorial style is CHATTY and LIGHTHEARTED, creating both a general sense of bonhomie and a tendency towards diverting historical anecdotes.

02:30 - Introductory patter

06:00 - Listener FEEDBACK, or, thanks youse guys!

17:50 - Plotting PANEL presentations, or, more content in the offing for the Napoleonic Quarterly

22:00 - RATIONALE, or, why this new bonus episode podcast format is a good and sensible idea which will delight listeners and indeed encourage listener engagement with questions and suchlike

26:00 - previewing EPISODE 26, or, what you can expect from Q2-1798

39:00 - 1800, or, what should we cover for Q1-1800, Q2-1800, Q3-1800 and, er, Q4-1800?

41:40 - AMPHIBIOUS, or, a discussion of the Venn diagram between two PhDs

48:00 - Answering listener QUESTIONS, or, the actual point of this episode

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Here's 30 minutes of the brilliant Frank Cogliano, Professor of American History at the University of Edinburgh, who offers his thoughts on American self-confidence and its flip side, American insecurity, in the early republic. We also covered British attitudes to the not-yet-special relationship, Frank's views on a certain N. Bonaparte and, of course, Alexander Hamilton's musical rehabilitation and Frank's enduring patience as everybody quotes its lyrics at him. Thanks to Frank for discussing the Founding Fathers' notion of a nation! This interview was recorded in the summer of 2022.

PS - sorry for the audio quality which is occasionally patchy. 

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1798. January.. February... March... Three months in which the United States is outraged by the villainy of France’s foreign minister Talleyrand... The French make short work of the Pope’s forces... And to the south the King who rules Naples and the Queen who rules him are cooking up plans to get even with the French. This is episode 25 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which the world wonders what France will do next.

[18:18] - Frank Cogliano on the XYZ Affair troubling Franco-American relations

[37:03] - Mary Robinson on the French takeover of the Papal States - and the Pope's response

[55:00] - Jonathan North on why Naples matters - and some background on the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

And from [1:13:00] or thereabouts Charles Esdaile and Alexander Mikaberidze offer their somewhat different interpretations of what the French were thinking in cooking up their plans to invade Egypt.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

After a 2022 addled by long covid, here's a fresh start for the podcast in 2023! We'll be covering two more dramatic years with new main episodes each month and lots of bonus episodes inbetween.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Professor Michael Broers of Oxford University's Lady Margaret Hall assesses Napoleon's achievements and shortcomings, shortly after concluding his three-volume biography with 'Napoleon: The Decline And Fall Of An Empire 1811-1821'. This interview was recorded in late 2021, shortly after Prof Broers completed his manuscript. The book was published on August 2nd 2022.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Rachel Blackman-Rogers is a maritime historian at King's College London. Her PhD thesis is on the transformation of British naval strategy during the 1790s and advances a series of compelling arguments about the development of British goals during the period. Rachel has been a stalwart on the podcast so far and so it was great to finally get the chance to talk to her about her research and its implications for how we think about the period as a whole. 

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Writer, historian and literary critic Ruth Scurr discusses her experience writing three very different biographies: Fatal Purity: Robespierre And The French Revolution; John Aubrey: My Own Life (about the 16thC antiquarian); and Napoleon: A Life In Gardens And Shadows, an entirely unique take on a man who continues to fascinate.