The Napoleonic Quarterly

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, has reached 1796 - a year in which the rockstar general Napoleon Bonaparte writes his own script. 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 12 months in which the course of the French Revolutionary Wars is altered by the achievements of a 20-something. Bonaparte somehow manages to turn a secondary theatre into the main event through an astonishingly dynamic approach to campaigning. The consequences are momentous for the weak, dependent Directory government in Paris; for the Papal States' political control of central Italy, not to mention the end of the Republic of Venice. And at the same time we see movement in Ireland where the French have one or two ideas, more revolt in the Vendee and the end of Catherine the Great, leaving us asking the question - what next for Russia...

In the first 15 minutes of Act 2 of our putative Napoleon movie, we get into "the promise of the premise"—delivering the kind of content audiences expect from a Napoleon film: military campaigns, political maneuveures, personal intrigue... as well as some further development of the love story with Josephine and Napoleon's antagonist Paul Barras; and, above all, the idea of mythmaking as a key theme.

In episode four of our screenwriting escapade 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 AI bot N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte puts it:

1. Three-Act Structure and Threshold Crossing

• The end of Act 1 is discussed as a pivotal moment when the protagonist, Napoleon, consciously begins constructing his own myth (00:19:41), a literal and figurative threshold crossing (00:19:55).

• Detailed walk-through of Act 1 scenes, including:

  • Substituting Josephine for Desiree in the narrative (00:02:39).

  • Key action sequences at Vendemiare and the bridges of Lodi/Arcola (00:03:39, 00:15:14), with discussion on historical accuracy versus dramatic conflation (00:16:10, 00:17:43).

  • Introduction of supporting characters and ensemble around Napoleon (00:06:01), focusing on ambitious opportunists rather than loyalists.

  • Exploration of the dynamics between Napoleon, Josephine, and Barras, including scenes blending political manipulation and sexual intrigue (00:08:24, 00:09:31).

• The concept that "the story and reality are separate things" is thematically highlighted (00:05:05), with the motif of Napoleon recognizing and starting to orchestrate his public image (00:19:01, 00:19:51).

• Visual iconography is suggested (e.g., Napoleon with the bicorne hat, the famous bridge painting) to support the myth-making theme (00:19:50, 00:20:24).

• James Topham and Alex Stevenson discuss "the promise of the premise"—delivering the kind of content audiences expect from a Napoleon film: campaigns, political maneuvers, personal intrigue (00:22:44), reminiscent of "fun and games" sections seen in classic screenplay structures.

• Suggestions about Act 2 include focusing on:

  • Napoleon’s rapid military successes in Italy (00:25:30),

  • His dual role as both general and proto-ruler, highlighting the confluence of military, political, and personal exploits (00:26:32),

  • The beginnings of conflict between Napoleon and the Directory/Barras, including themes of looting, propaganda, and evolving power (00:28:11, 00:29:38).

• The love triangle between Napoleon, Josephine, and Barras is positioned as a B-story, serving both as counterpoint and commentary on Napoleon's personal limitations and vulnerabilities despite public success (00:34:12, 00:35:25).

• James Topham notes this B-story should provide the "kernel of a realization" that the main character’s myth-making may not resolve deeper internal needs (00:35:00).

• Strong emphasis on the importance of an active antagonist. Barras is not simply reactive but is shown making tactical moves to rein in Napoleon through proxies and political maneuvers (00:42:09, 00:44:00).

• Barras’s motivations are clarified: survival, controlling or harnessing Napoleon’s force, and concern for the stability of the Directory (00:39:09, 00:45:08).

• Discussion of tonal variation, humor, and the inclusion of sex and farce elements (e.g., the pug scene) to balance dramatic and comedic moments (00:10:26, 00:12:17).

• Plan for the next episode focuses on Act 2's midpoint—the major reversal where Napoleon must confront the limitations of his current approach (00:49:14).

This is the fourth 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 1795, a year in which French politics is just as full of turmoil as ever before - but that isn't stopping French military success across the continent. It's quite the contrast: purges, insurrections and uprisings in Paris, at the same time as French forces cross the Rhine, taking war deeper into Austrian-controlled territory, and the Prussians, Spanish and others drop out of the fight altogether. British efforts around the edges feel just that, marginal; an ill-fated expedition to stir up revolt in Brittany, the seizure of Cape Town and on Sri Lanka of Trincomalee. And empire-building continues in eastern Europe too, with the final partition of Poland. What a 12 months - and it's all laying the groundwork for an even more remarkable year next time round...

In minutes 15-30 of our screenplay treatment our protagonist Bonaparte has his refusal of the call moment, the love story gets going, the gang gets together, and then it all builds to the end of Act 1 when Napoleon crosses the threshold - and the bridge of Lodi - at the same time. This is really the episode when this project properly gets going - and our hero begins to narrow the gap between his star-following destiny-bound self-perception and his somewhat awkward reality.

Here's those secret movie voice notes in full, as recorded between episodes 2 and 3: https://www.patreon.com/posts/those-secret-in-155837568

Yes, it's episode three of this odd project. 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.

As our resident AI bot N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte puts it:

• The team reviews and refines the first 15 pages of the Napoleon screenplay, breaking down five key scenes that chart Napoleon’s journey from imprisonment in 1794 to his emergence as a political and military player.

• There’s an in-depth discussion on revising historical details and narrative structure, including the role of the antagonist (shifting focus from Talleyrand to Barras) and centering Josephine as the driving love interest—replacing Desiree in earlier scenes for thematic cohesion.

• The episode explores the depiction of Napoleon’s character during this formative period, emphasizing his internal ambiguity, uncertainty, and the tension between his self-image versus his reality—touching on his social awkwardness, aspirations, and motivations.

• The hosts map out the next 15 minutes of the screenplay, focusing on classic screenwriting beats such as the refusal of the call, assembling Napoleon’s ‘gang’ of key figures, and leading up to a major “crossing the threshold” moment in Italy, with a proposed set piece at the Battle of Lodi bridge.

• There’s a debate about how to balance historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling, such as condensing events for emotional impact, portraying Napoleon’s myth-building, and weaving Josephine and Barras into the heart of the story’s momentum.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!