The Napoleonic Quarterly

Taking the epic conflicts of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars three months at a time. Each episode features interviews with leading historians of the period - covering the campaigns, diplomacy and political dramas of an extraordinary 24 years.

Malta: At the crossroads of the Napoleonic era

Liam Gauci, Curator at the Malta Maritime Museum in Valletta, joins Dr Rachel Blackman-Rogers to discuss the fascinating history of his very special island. This episode is sponsored by Heritage Malta.

06-13
48:28

Episode 37: Q1-1801 - The bedroom assassins

1801. January… February… March… Three months in which the assassination of Tsar Paul stuns Europe… The Act of Union brings together Britain and Ireland... And Austria and France sign the Treaty of Luneville, inking in French dominance in western Europe. This is episode 37 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which the grisly drama of a court assassination sets the stage for the Napoleonic dramas to come.

06-05
01:40:56

KATHY BURK on diplomatic history

Kathleen Burk, Professor Emerita of Modern and Contemporary History at University College London, is an amazing historian whose books spanning a long and distinguished career reflect the breadth of her interests: she's written about Anglo-American relations over the decades, a biography of AJP Taylor, even a history of wine reflecting her own background growing up on a California grape farm. We cover off all the bases - and find out how they apply to the Napoleonic period - in this fascinating discussion.

05-30
32:26

In conversation: Alan Forrest and Charles Esdaile

Professor Alan Forrest of the University of York sat down with his long time academic friend Charles Esdaile to talk about the Napoleon Movie, the legacy of the Emperor and more.

05-22
01:13:54

In conversation: Michael Broers and Charles Esdaile

Professor Emeritus Michael Broers of the University of Oxford, biography of Napoleon and historical adviser to 'Napoleon' (2023), sat down virtually with his old chum and sparring partner Charles Esdaile. In this conversation they covered: [02:00] - their shared outsider perspective on the French Revolution [06:00] - the usefulness of the Napoleonic period in terms of boosting the power of the state [13:00] - Different ways of looking at Napoleon - including as the greatest of the Enlightened absolutists [25:00] - Writing about Napoleon Bonaparte, whether you're Andrew Roberts or not [35:00] - The Hundred Days [43:00] - 'Napoleon' (2023), the epic spectacle-filled movie blockbuster for which Prof Broers served as historical adviser

05-09
58:25

Containing Russia: Lessons from history

Dr Rachel Blackman-Rogers is joined by King's College London colleague Professor Andrew Lambert to discuss the current conflict in Ukraine and how lessons from history can be applied to contemporary challenges in containing Russian aggression.

05-02
55:48

The wider world in 1800

Bernie Campbell takes us on a whistlestop tour of the world as it was at the turn of the 19th century, in the company of Professor Alexander Mikaberidze of Louisiana State University-Shreveport and the NQ's intrepid Quartermaster-Patreons.

04-25
01:08:00

Episode 36: Q4-1800 - Infernal Machine

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

04-10
01:36:28

150-158mins: Our conclusions will SHOCK you!! The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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

04-01
36:22

135-150mins: Ghostefine - The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-30
32:35

120-135mins: Ticking Blücher clock - The 'Napoleon' Movie, Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-29
36:25

105-120mins: "Waaahh!" The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-28
25:10

90-105mins: "Mistaken ambition" - The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-27
22:43

75-90mins: 'Higher' ground? The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-26
31:07

45-60mins: BOATS! The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-24
31:28

30-45mins: Mummy issues? The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-23
26:50

15-30mins: "Look down..." The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-22
32:22

0-15mins: "Move them goats!" The 'Napoleon' Movie... Quarter-Hourly

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.

03-21
23:39

Episode 35: Q3-1800 - Hanging by a thread

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.

03-13
01:36:37

The Battle of Marengo, 14 June 1800: Bonaparte v Melas

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.

02-20
01:06:52

!!!@@@!!!

This episode is friggin phenomenal. It is the best conversation of Russian containment I have heard since I read Kissenger's "Diplomacy." I particularly enjoyed the bit upon how the Congress of Vienna was formed. Also, the Baltic. Always the Baltic with Russia.

05-03 Reply

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