The Napoleonic Quarterly

Quartermaster Productions
  • 4.8 (40)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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.

  1. 1794 recap: Robespierre's Terror trap

    3D AGO

    1794 recap: Robespierre's Terror trap

    This is the third in our series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. 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 1794, a year of revolution, turmoil, and transformative conflict across Europe and beyond. Once again we're recapping an extraordinary year featuring pivotal moments in the French Revolution, including Robespierre's dramatic fall; the surprising tos and fros of the war in Europe; some grimly familiar shocking events in Eastern Europe; all whilst continuing to explore the global repercussions of revolutionary ideals. Or, in other words: The height and collapse of the Terror in Revolutionary France, culminating in the Thermidorian Reaction Key military innovations and battles, including the strategic leadership of Carnot and the Battle of Fleurus The dramatic final chapter of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and the failed Kociuszko Uprising The abolition of slavery in French colonies and the far-reaching impact on Haiti and the Caribbean Crucial global developments, from the Glorious First of June naval battle to transformative events in the United States and beyond Explore the interconnected stories of 1794 and discover how this pivotal year shaped the course of the Napoleonic era and world history.

    45 min
  2. Napoleon's inciting incident ISN'T Toulon... (screenplay plotting - minutes 0-15)

    APR 14

    Napoleon's inciting incident ISN'T Toulon... (screenplay plotting - minutes 0-15)

    Taking up the challenge 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. This episode covers their consideration of the film's first 15 minutes: critical real estate in any screenwriting escapade. Whilst we might not be clear what Napoleon's 'save the cat' moment is - the event which gets the audience to like or engag with the protagonist - we do have a clear answer to what the 'inciting incident' should be that propels our lead character into the world. And, shock horror, it's not going to be Toulon... As our resident AI bot N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte puts it: The team reconvenes to craft a unique treatment for a Napoleon movie, blending heist-movie energy with historical drama Alex Stevenson lays out the initial setting: a dissolute, awkward young Napoleon in 1795 Paris, skipping over the usual Toulon set-piece in favour of a fresh perspective James Topham explains the crucial components of a film’s first 15 pages: establishing character, creating a “save the cat” moment, and delivering a compelling inciting incident The hosts debate Napoleon’s lack—whether it’s ambition, savoir faire, or something deeper—and explore how his transformation sets up the arc of the film The episode climaxes with the inciting incident, launching Napoleon onto the stage of history, and setting up the next challenge: assembling his mustachioed crew for the film’s heist vibe. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

    50 min
  3. 1793 recap: Spreading Revolution, escalating wars

    APR 12

    1793 recap: Spreading Revolution, escalating wars

    This is the second in a series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. 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 1793, a year of revolutionary turmoil, dramatic political shifts, and international warfare as the French Revolution accelerates, reshaping France and reverberating across Europe and the wider world. Including: - The trial and execution of King Louis XVI and the radicalization of the National Convention - The rise of Robespierre and the establishment of the Reign of Terror - The outbreak of civil war in the Vendée and mass conscription across France - Key battles and the involvement of Britain, Spain, and other Coalition powers in the Revolutionary Wars - Global impact with the Haitian Revolution, the abolition of slavery in Saint Domingue, and the emergence of Napoleon Bonaparte

    41 min
  4. Let's write a Napoleon movie! (screenplay plotting - initial scoping)

    APR 10

    Let's write a Napoleon movie! (screenplay plotting - initial scoping)

    Taking up the challenge 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. They do not succeed in this opening episode. But the creative process is a messy one, it turns out, and our trio very much hope listeners will struggle through these opening lurches towards excellence in order to access the cinematic gold which, ultimately, lies at the culmination of this project. As our resident AI bot N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte puts it: The team discusses what makes compelling screenwriting, focusing on the importance of theme, character, and narrative structure, and explores strategies for portraying Napoleon on screen  Deliberation over Napoleon's core traits, debating insecurity, power, and the idea of him as an "addicted gambler" constantly pushing his luck, shapes the central approach to the script The hosts entertain genre-bending ideas—from a heist film to comedic undertones—while considering historical accuracy, key relationships (like with Josephine), and the inclusion of iconic antagonists such as Talleyrand  Plans are set to collaboratively develop the screenplay “Napoleon: One Last Job” live on the podcast, tackling 15 pages at a time, blending their theatrical, historical, and screenwriting perspectives Listeners are advised not to get too excited about the whole heist thing. That might not last too long.

    58 min
  5. 1792 recap: The French Revolution firestorm

    APR 8

    1792 recap: The French Revolution firestorm

    This is the first in a series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. 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 1792, a year of extraordinary upheaval and transformation across the globe. We take stock of the events, crises, and turning points that defined the period, focusing on four major themes: The French Revolution: The mounting political pressure in Paris, culminating in the radicalization of the revolution, the arrest and trial of Louis XVI, and the proclamation of the First French Republic. The War in Europe: France’s chaotic military situation and surprising victories, as the War of the First Coalition begins, defying the odds against a decimated army and foreign invasion. The Eastern European Dimension: The critical developments in Poland, Russia, Austria, and Prussia, as the fate of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is decided and imperial rivalries set the stage for future Napoleonic conflicts. The Wider World: The global ramifications of revolutionary ideals, including the dramatic slave uprising in Saint Domingue (Haiti), highlighting the extraordinary importance and turmoil in the Caribbean and colonial geopolitics.

    45 min

  6. APR 6 ·  BONUS

    Production update: Launch the relaunch!

    Here's what you need to know: - Having reached the end of 1804, the Napoleonic Quarterly is now halfway through its decade-long project. - That means it's time for a half-time break to reboot and relaunch the project, with the twin goals of offering an alternative 'entry point' for Napoleonic Wars afficionados and allowing the establishment of an end-state production pipleline. - It's not exactly the Super Bowl's half-time entertainment, but for this relaunch period we'll have two limited miniseries running in parallel. - The first is a recap series; one episode per year of the chronology. Each episode will look at the four main themes illustrated by clips from the main episodes, and then do a quick month-by-month reminder of the main events. - The second is season two of our movie project. But instead of looking at Ridley Scott's Napoleonic monstrosity, this time round we'll be working up our own treatment for how we'd fit the life of Napoleon around the traditional Hollywood screenplay structure. - Meanwhile in the background work is underway on our 1805 episodes. - The relaunch period hopefully starts with an episode a day for, hopefully, a full week; and then we'll revert to weekly for the duration. - Vive le podcast!

    9 min

  7. MAR 18

    Coronation drama: Josephine, the Pope, and Napoleon's crowning moment (w/Ambrogio Caiani)

    On a freezing day in December 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte placed the imperial crown of France on his head in Notre-Dame - the first time an Emperor had ruled in Paris for 1,000 years and the time of Charlemagne. What were the ambiguities of the ceremony and what did they mean for the continuing story of French politics? Was this the moment the French Revolution really ended? What effects would this new title have on the new Emperor Napoleon I - and his warring family? Alex Stevenson is joined by Dr Ambrogio Caiani, Senior Lecturer In History at the University of Kent, to explore the build-up to the coronation, the day itself and its various hidden meanings. With moments of great pomp and circumstance, both profound meaning and perilous farce are never far away. Thanks to our resident artificial intelligence, NAIpoleon Bot-aparte, here's what you can expect in this episode in a bit more detail: A deep dive into Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation, exploring its significance as a turning point in the end of the French Revolution and the rise of imperial France. Candid discussion about the political motivations behind Napoleon’s self-crowning, including the ongoing instability and the reasoning for establishing a hereditary empire. Insight into the role of Pope Pius VII, the negotiations for his presence in Paris, and the myths versus reality surrounding his involvement in the ceremony. Anecdotes and drama from the lead-up to the coronation, including Josephine’s last-minute confession and the family tensions within the Bonaparte clan. Thoughtful analysis of the symbolism, spectacle, and public response to the event—plus reflections on how this moment fundamentally changed Napoleon’s personality and approach to power. Help us produce more episodes by joining the Napoleonic Quarterly community on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

    43 min

  8. MAR 11

    Battlefield despatches: Rivoli, Q1-1797

    Clemens Bemmann is joined by Rick Schneid, John Gill and Graeme Callister for the final of our Italian campaign series, this time looking at the Battle of Rivoli - a pivotal moment for Napoleon Bonaparte which provided him with yet another triumph. This episode concludes our pilot series exploring whether we can do more to make battles presentable in audio format. Here's a good map to visualise the battle... here's an even better one... and here's a summary courtesy of N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte on what to expect in this episode: A front-row seat at the Battle of Rivoli: Experience the dramatic twists and turns of the battle, including strategic decisions, troop movements, and real-time chaos, bringing the conflict vividly to life. Insider perspectives: Gain a balanced view of the campaign, with detailed insights from the French and Austrian camps—from Bonaparte’s restless ambition to the Austrian army’s struggles and eventual defeat. Behind-the-scenes of Napoleonic leadership: Learn how Napoleon and his staff responded to challenges, kept their forces motivated, and managed crises as the momentum shifted back and forth across the battlefield. Historical anecdotes and colourful commentary: Firsthand accounts, rumors, and memorable moments—such as Napoleon’s legendary “ditch” incident at Lodi, cavalry charges, and officers rallying (or failing to rally) their men. Consequences beyond Rivoli: Discover the aftermath of the battle and why Rivoli marked a decisive turning point, setting the stage for further French victories and reshaping the fate of the Italian campaign and the War of the First Coalition. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

    1h 30m
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4.8
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Quartermaster Productions
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Quartermaster Productions
  • Show Website
    The Napoleonic Quarterly

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