Main content

Episode 1

Historian Andrew Roberts questions if Napoleon really was a short, uncouth, villainous, Corsican upstart, as portrayed during his lifetime by British caricaturists.

Napoleon was savaged by British caricaturists during his lifetime. They loved to portray him as 'little Boney' - a short, uncouth, villainous, Corsican upstart. In this programme, historian Andrew Roberts dispels some of those myths.

Recorded partly on location in Paris, Roberts visits Napoleon's tomb and the Foundation Napoleon, where the Emperor's huge correspondence is kept.

Far from the short bully of contemporary propaganda, Andrew Roberts suggests Napoleon was charming, learned, a gifted military tactician - and of average height.

Produced by Victoria Ferran and Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

Available now

15 minutes

Last on

Mon 15 Jun 2015 13:45

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from Napoleon: The Man and the Myths

Broadcast

  • Mon 15 Jun 2015 13:45

Featured in...

Waterloo: The Ball at Brussels

Waterloo: The Ball at Brussels

Mike Walker's play recreates the ball given two nights before the Battle of Waterloo.

Podcast