Exploring Historical Fiction in the Napoleonic Era

This chapter discusses the importance of historical fiction in understanding the Napoleonic era and its impact on society. The speaker analyzes the accuracy and portrayal of historical events and characters in Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharp series, highlighting the conflict between the old and new in soldiering. The chapter also touches on ethnic and regional identity in France during the revolutionary period, examining the diverse nature of the country and cautioning against projecting modern notions of national identity onto the past.