Adam Zamoyski

In a spirited debate, historians Andrew Roberts and Adam Zamoyski discuss how to remember Napoleon Bonaparte. Andrew Roberts, a distinguished historian known for his insights on Napoleonic history, and Adam Zamoyski, a best-selling author on French history, challenge each other's perspectives. They explore Napoleon's military genius versus his failures, his legislative achievements like the Code Napoleon, and his ambitions for European unity. The conversation also delves into his complex human legacy, provoking thoughts on how history shapes our understanding of great leaders.

In this episode, Dan Snow interviews Adam Zamoyski, a biographer of Napoleon, discussing his rise to power, strategic success, and fascination with money. They also explore the complexities of writing a biography, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural influences. The chapter concludes by exploring Napoleon's insecurities and decline, and the lessons learned from this period of history.

Join distinguished historians Andrew Roberts, known for his works on Napoleonic history, and Adam Zamoyski, best-selling author on the French Revolution, as they dive deep into the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. They debate whether he was a military genius or a blundering tyrant. Their conversation touches on Napoleon's achievements in reforming France, his significant military losses, and the complexities of assessing his influence on modern European governance and nationalism, revealing the contradictions in how history remembers him.