In conversation: Michael Broers and Charles Esdaile

The Napoleonic Quarterly

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