Napoleon: The Man and the Myths19 Juni 2015

Episode 5

What does history make of Napoleon? Exiled to St Helena, where it was hoped by the British that he would be forgotten, he in fact remained - and remains - a figure of fascination.

For Europeans, he is still the author of civil reforms that underpin laws today. In France, his schools, architecture and infrastructure are a constant reminder of his rule.

Opinion is of course divided. Those on the right in France tend to admire Napoleon as a strong Enlightenment leader; those on the left stress his warlike and tyrannical side.

In this programme, historian Andrew Roberts allows listeners to make up their own minds.

The programmes are partly recorded on location in Paris.

Simon Russell Beale is the voice of Napoleon.

Produced by Victoria Ferran and Susan Marling A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.

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Avsnitt(5)

Episode 4

The battle of Waterloo changed the future of Europe and sealed Napoleon's fate. But why did such a successful and experienced commander as Napoleon lose that battle, 200 years ago today?Historian Andr...

18 Juni 201513min

Episode 3

Vaulting ambition, a politically calculating marriage, endless battles across Europe, a Russian campaign that cost the lives of half a million French troops - there is much for which history can criti...

17 Juni 201513min

Episode 2

It's said that France became a police state under Napoleon. He wanted to know everything about his growing empire and, despite the revolution, crowned himself as Emperor to rule over it.Historian Andr...

16 Juni 201513min

Episode 1

Napoleon was savaged by British caricaturists during his lifetime. They loved to portray him as 'little Boney' - a short, uncouth, villainous, Corsican upstart. In this programme, historian Andrew Rob...

15 Juni 201513min