Adam Zamoyski

Adam Zamoyski, a historian renowned for his biography of Napoleon, dives into the formative years of the legendary leader. He discusses how the Enlightenment and classical education shaped Napoleon’s ambitions. Adam details Napoleon's early military exploits, his rise through the ranks during the tumultuous Republican era, and pivotal moments like the Toulon breakthrough. The conversation also covers how he leveraged propaganda and military victories in Italy and Egypt to storm back into Paris and seize power, illustrating the relentless drive behind the man.

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.