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To be honest this episode is just as much in praise of The Lubber's Hole, a brilliant project working its way through the Aubrey-Maturin novels of the unparallelled Patrick O'Brian. It's my favourite and most-listened-to podcast, and so the opportunity to talk to one half of the Lubber's Hole, Ian Bradley, naturally descended into fan enthusings within minutes. I shall not apologise for this; not least because there were tokenistic nods to the naval position in 1805 and the way the novels approach the bigger fleet actions. Ian described O'Brian's thoroughly flexible approach to the chronology of the 1792-1815 period, how his characters discussed and remembered Trafalgar, and the nature of the source material he used to so effectively get that early 19th century 'voice' just right. And we compared notes about absurdly lengthy podcast projects into the bargain. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Could Andrew Roberts' in-depth look at Napoleon's HR issues with those pesky marshals have prompted a bit of a rethink? With his new book Napoleon And His Marshals, Lord Roberts certainly has a fascinating new perspective moving things on from his 2014 biography Napoleon The Great. Whereas the emphasis had previously been on Napoleon's intellectual brilliance, administrative achievements and battlefield genius, this time we have a much more complicated, rounded, human picture. Those marshals were all-important, but they were treated rather roughly at times; and as Lord Roberts' delving into the latest correspondence shows, what he previously admired as effective compartmentalisation in the great Napoleonic brain now appears to be something closer to micromanagement of the most overdone kind. It was a great pleasure to welcome Andrew on to the podcast, not least to put Charles' 'rat with great PR' jibe to him directly. The answer shows that, while there is more nuance in his latest look at the Napoleonic period, Andrew Roberts will defend Napoleon's achievements in power to the last. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Bernie Campbell is joined by Alexander Mikaberidze and Rachel Blackman-Rogers to get their picks of the best books about one of the Napoleonic Wars' most consequential years. Covering all the angles of both the year's big campaign on the European continent, and the year's big campaign on the high seas: what book will change how you think about Trafalgar? Which are the best biographies of the main players? Are there any military histories missing from your bookshelf? One could get rather worked up about this sort of thing. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1805. January... February... March... three months in which British telescopes looking out across the English Channel are trained on the north French coast... the Royal Navy waits in suspense for Frace's emperor to make his move... and the Italian republic is getting a new king - guess who. This is episode 52 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months of invasion tension. [07:40] - headline developments [12:20] - Ambrogio Caiani on Napoleon becoming King of Italy [43:00] - Rachel Blackman-Rogers on naval strategy eyeing a cross-Channel invasion [1:08:10] - John Gill on the Camp de Boulogne and the emerging Grande Armee Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

With the relaunch period drawing to a close the time is now upon us, finally, when this podcast about the Napoleonic period actually gets to talk actually properly about the actual Napoleonic Wars. In one final build-up episode before episode 53 dives into Q1-1805, here's a last chance for Charles Esdaile and Alex Mikaberidze to consider the entirety of the 1805-15 period as a whole to answer the question: what should listeners expect will be different about what's to come, compared to what we've covered so far? Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1804 - the year in which France gets an emperor once again, and Europe gets an imperial-sized problem. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily (just) before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers a 12-month period in which there is plenty of change - and lots of slowly developing tension. As well as Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation as Emperor following the uncovering of the Cadoudal-Pichegru plot earlier in the year, we see these themes mirrored in Britain becoming jumpy over intensifying French invasion threat, leading to William Pitt's return as prime minister. Russia breaks relations with France as a result of the deeply controversial kidnapping of the Duc D'Enghien, apparently on Napoleon's orders, whilst Britain moves against Spain by seizing its treasure ships. Old regimes like Austria are reshaping themselves with Francis becoming a new kind of emperor, whilst the United States is moving into new territory - literally - with the Lewis and Clark Expedition setting off. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

It is with a mixture of great embarrassment at my own over-acting and guilt at such outrageous self-indulgence that I, Alex Stevenson, presenter of the Napoleonic Quarterly, provide you, the poor suffering listeners, with an outpouring of thespian histrionics: the concluding episode of our screenplay-concocting relaunch side-project, the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly. In this episode Ben Deery, who thankfully knows a thing or two about acting, works his way alongside my own miserable efforts through the most excitable scenes from the pen of James Topham, who knows a thing or two about screenwriting. Napoleon: One Last Job may never actually get made, but at least you get to hear a grown man pretend to be both Napoleon and Josephine in the same scene. Or, perhaps more wisely, there is the opportunity to listen to the whole screenplay read by a surprisingly effective AI American lady on Patreon... Please send through any comments or questions to the usual places - the hope is that we will be able to do a listener feedback episode, as well as putting this to the professors for their verdict. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

This mini-episode unveils the end product from our Napoleon movie discussions: an actual first draft of a screenplay which tells the story of Bonaparte's rise to power. It's now available on Patreon, for the consideration of our esteemed Quartermasters. In the meantime, first James Topham and then Alex Stevenson offer their own versions of what the treatment actually looks like. With Ben Deery doing French accents in the background. Help us produce more episodes by joining the Napoleonic Quarterly community on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1803 - a year in which peace between France and Britain collapses, and the cause of Haitian independence is finally realised. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers a 12-month period in which, despite attack dogs and the death of Toussaint Louverture, the French are defeated on Saint-Domingue and Dessalines emerges as the leader to achieve independence for Haiti. This is the year which sees the Louisiana Purchase, an astonishing moment which turns the United States into a continental power overnight. And in Europe Britain declares war once again on France, setting up endless debates about whose fault the demise of the Peace of Amiens really was. Meanwhile the Swiss Confederation is created thanks to the signature of Napoleon Bonaparte - and in India an up and coming general called Arthur Wellesley achieves a striking victory at the Battle of Assaye which effectively ends the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1802 - a year in which the French mission to recapture Saint-Domingue combines deception and brutality as the stakes grow ever higher. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers a 12-month period in which, whilst the main action takes place in the Caribbean, there is plenty of activity in Europe too. From the annexation of Piedmont to the invasion of Switzerland and the redrawing of the political map in Germany, the French are calling the shots across the continent. Napoleon Bonaparte takes another step towards empire by being made First Consul for life. And whilst the British are forcing the Marathas to abandon their independence hopes in India and the Peace of Amiens ends the war between France and Britain, the reality is this is not a world where anything is going to stay settled for very long. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1801 - a year in which Britain and France make peace, despite a widening canvas of war spreading across from Europe across the globe. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers a 12-month period in which Napoleon Bonaparte, having secured a Concordat with the Catholic Church, sends troops to recapture Saint-Domingue and gets himself elected president in Italy. Russia's League of Armed Neutrality is thwarted by Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Copenhagen before Tsar Paul's assassination prompts a change of course in St Petersburg. The British are on the offensive in Egypt and in India, but William Pitt resigns as Prime Minister. Thomas Jefferson is finally elected President and the US is fighting the first Barbary war... and there's the War of the Oranges between Spain and Portugal as well. Is this a winding-down year? No - it's one of the most dramatic of them all. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

In the eighth and final 15 minutes of our screenplay treatment, Napoleon really is trying to get this one last job done by completing the Brumaire coup. But his bid for his ultimate goal requires an unexpected sacrifice and is dependent on an essential contribution from his now thoroughly beloved Josephine. With a new framing device underlining the crucial role of Paul Barras in this story as the antagonist, we're sprinting for a finish line - and a certain comfy chair for our leading man. Yes, it's episode nine of our screenwriting escapade, in which we complete our mission of crafting a top-notch screenplay treatment about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham (who knows a thing or two about screenwriting) and Ben Deery (who knows a thing or two about acting) to put the movie world to rights. Having analysed the pitfalls and frustrations of Ridley Scott's Napoleon 2023 in the first season the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly, this time round the team have tried their uppermost to come up with the magic themselves. As our resident artificial aide-de-camp NAIpoleon Bot-aparte puts it: [02:27] The Recap of the "Rotten Pear": James catches us up on Act Three so far, featuring Napoleon’s desertion from Egypt, a "titanic" row with Josephine, and a dinner with Barras that changes everything. [12:12] History is a Farce: Alex reads from Zamoyski’s biography, revealing the hilarious historical reality of the coup: a bucking horse, a stress-induced facial rash, and a very "undone" Napoleon. [17:03] Dramatic Masterstroke or "Sh*tshow"?: The team debates whether Napoleon’s historical bungling of the coup is a screenwriting disaster or an ironic opportunity for a "stunning performance." [19:13] The Ultimate Sacrifice: Alex pitches a thematic climax where Napoleon trades his "Great Man" dignity and romantic ideals for the grubbiness of actual power. [21:45] The Novella as a Blunt Instrument: Ben suggests a high-action alternative involving Napoleon beating a man unconscious with his own rolled-up novella manuscript. [28:35] The Framing Device Rabbit Hole: A deep dive into the art of the framing device, featuring references to The Princess Bride, Amadeus, and the "triangle" used in the World Snooker Championship. [33:10] Perspectives on a Dinner: The hosts pitch a circular narrative structure that uses a dinner with Barras to show how the "urbane puppet master" became the man who "owes Napoleon everything." [43:03] Marinara in the Sticks: Exploring the "fitting end" for Barras—sidelined to a provincial town like Ray Liotta at the end of Goodfellas with nothing but bad pasta sauce for company. [45:28] The Bonaparte Whisperer: Josephine finally gets an active role in the heist, proving she is a master survivor who knows exactly how to handle smitten Directory presidents and resignation letters. [52:36] The Dictator’s Comfy Chair: The team lands on a final image involving a circular seating arrangement, an enigmatic grin, and the most crucial question of the production: "Who is going to play the pug?" Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1800 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte achieves one of his greatest victories to consolidate his new position of power in France. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers a 12-month period in which Bonaparte's victory at Marengo ensures success in the Italian campaign - but it's Moreau's big result at Hohenlinden later in the year which arguably proves more decisive. Ultimately 1800 is a year in which there are lots of developments bubbling up all over the place: the US election, the British busy against the French in Egypt, the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland, the Septinsular Republic formed in the Ionian Islands, Tsar Paul forming the League of Armed Neutrality... and a proto-car bomb very nearly ending Bonaparte's life to round things off. Everything, everywhere, all at once. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

In the seventh and penultimate 15 minutes of our screenplay treatment, Napoleon is back in France to go for the top prize - power. But his bid for his ultimate goal is not going to be straightforward and he has to accept that in order to achieve this, he'll have to put aside romantic dreams and do what matters to get this one last job done. That means a new approach to his unfaithful wife Josephine; a reckoning with our antagonist Paul Barras; and a new kind of battlefield - the Council of Five Hundred. Yes, it's episode eight of our screenwriting escapade, in which we continue to forge ahead in our mission of crafting a top-notch screenplay treatment about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham (who knows a thing or two about screenwriting) and Ben Deery (who knows a thing or two about acting) to put the movie world to rights. Having analysed the pitfalls and frustrations of Ridley Scott's Napoleon 2023 in the first season the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly, this time round the team have to come up with the magic themselves. As our resident artificial aide-de-camp NAIpoleon Bot-aparte puts it: Alex Stevenson introduces the climax phase of the Napoleon screenplay project and acknowledges the contributions of James Topham and Ben Deery 00:00. Ben Deery revisits an underappreciated Sphinx joke from previous episodes, sparking playful banter about comedic appreciation 00:01:16. James Topham recaps the emotional and psychological journey of Napoleon in Act 2, culminating in a brutal turning point during the Egyptian campaign 00:03:01. Introduction and breakdown of Act 3 structure: the internal-external conflict resolution, new plans, and the heightened sense of sacrifice Napoleon must undergo 00:10:03. Deep dive into the historical coup of Brumaire, exploring how Napoleon’s ambiguous resolve and political struggles can be mapped onto the screenplay’s climax 00:13:01. Discussion of antagonist dynamics: Paul Barras must return as a strong opposition for the final act, including possible narrative liberties to heighten his role 00:24:28. Insight into the B story: Napoleon and Josephine’s tumultuous reunion, tying personal and political stakes together in a pivotal emotional scene 00:34:05. Reference to classic films and psychological theories (e.g., High Society, Taxi Driver, Madonna-Whore complex) to illustrate character developments and narrative arcs 00:39:34. Strategizing the depiction of the coup’s high-stakes drama—physical peril, the threat of the guillotine, and how to visually and emotionally convey Napoleon’s critical risk 00:52:13. Closing with an explanation of the filmic denouement: what “new normal” the world and characters face after Napoleon’s victory, and teaser for the next episode’s focus on wrapping up the screenplay 00:54:54. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1799 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte achieves an astonishing turnaround in fortunes which ends with him in power. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers a 12-month period in which Bonaparte's failed Syrian campaign leads him to attempt the desperate gamble of a return to France - which dramatically pays off when, somehow, he emerges as the country's ruler after the coup of Brumaire. That is the culmination of a remarkable year of fighting in Italy and Switzerland, with Russian heroics under the leadership of Suvorov and gritty French defence led by Massena. There really is so much going on - from the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland to the fall of Naples, from the siege of Malta to the diplomacy of the Second Coalition - what a year 1799 truly is. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly