Interview with Napoleon Bonaparte
86Interview with Napoleon Bonaparte
Good news! I have invented a praiseworthy process for interviewing famous people who are no longer around . . . to defend themselves . . . or sue for libel. After my first interview with Genghis Khan, numerous readers (two) asked me to devote some time to other famous and infamous celebrities. This is my second interview in the series – with Napoleon Bonaparte.
What is this new process you ask? I cannot divulge the intricacies of the entire procedure but it involves a crystal ball, unintelligible incantations, and the forelegs of three newts. There's no newts like good newts. This method allows me to zero in on a specific non-living person and ask prying, pointed, personal questions. So, without further ado (my dictionary defines 'ado' as 'bustling excitement'), here is my most recent interview with Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Glory of Napoleon Montage
me – Comment voulez-vous faire, M. Bonaparte. Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer. Vous êtes à la recherche très bien . . . compte tenu.
M. Bonaparte – Merci.
Me – Puis-je vous appeler Napoléon?
M. Bonaparte – Bien sûr, en fait, pourquoi ne pas m'appeler LC pour faire court.
Oops! For your ease in reading, our conversation will be translated from French to English.
me – How do you do, Mr. Bonaparte. I am delighted to meet you. You are looking very well . . . considering. (That’s a reference to his death which took place 189 years ago).
M. Bonaparte – Thank you.
me – May I call you Napoleon?
M. Bonaparte – If you like but why not call me LC (Little Corporal) for short? Get it? Little – short?
me – Very funny, LC. Tell me, why were you called the “Little Corporal”?
LC – It wasn’t because of my stature as most people think. You can see I am practically five foot five – with my boots on – that was the average height of a Frenchman in those days. I received the nickname, “le Petit Caporal” (the Little Corporal) in 1796 at the battle of Lodi near Milan, Italy. As a general, I shocked my men by running over to a cannon and personally aiming it at the enemy. This was a very risky procedure and it was usually performed by an enlisted man, a corporal. It was definitely not something a general (in his right mind) would do.
Corsica is located at bottom right corner of map.
Early years
me – Tell me, when and where were you born?
LC – On August 14, 1769 in the town of Ajaccio on the beautiful island of Corsica located in the Mediterranean. The year before I was born, France bought Corsica from the Italian city-state of Genoa. My father, Carlo Buonaparte, and my mother, Letizia Ramolino Buonaparte, both belonged to noble Italian families. My father, a prominent attorney, was a leader of the pro-French party in Corsica and was named Corsica’s representative to the court of Louis XVI of France in 1777.
me – Were you an only child?
LC – Oh, no, I was the second son of eight children. I had an older brother, Joseph, and younger siblings: Lucien, Elisa, Louis, Pauline, Caroline and Jerome. I was christened Napoleone di Buonaparte and used this name until my twenties when I adopted the more French-sounding Napoleon Bonaparte.
me – Did you want to be a soldier when you were a young boy?
LC – Either a soldier or a cowboy so I could ride a white horse. I wanted to own a white horse just like the Long Ranger. When I was nine years old, my father sent me to a military academy in Brienne, France. I learned to speak French but never lost my marked Corsican accent. The students there teased me and called me the Corsican.
me – What was your favorite subject in school?
LC – I was very good in math but average in history and geography. I was lousy in spelling – one of the reasons I changed my name. My teachers said I would make an excellent sailor. But then I was admitted to the elite Ecole Militaire (Military School) where I trained to become an artillery officer. I completed a two-year course in one year and was the first Corsican to graduate there.
"I may be accused of rashness, but not sluggishness."- Napoleon Bonaparte
When I was only 16, I received a commission in the French army as a second lieutenant of artillery. Six years later I was promoted to first lieutenant and to captain one year later.
me – Congratulations. There is something I have always wanted to ask you. Why do so many paintings and statues of you show you with your hand inside your waistcoat?
LC – I could have been testing my heartbeat.
me – Were you?
LC – No, I was actually checking out the size of my love handles.
me – Really?
LC – Gotcha! I posed that way because, as a leader, you have to do something with your hands and that was the style.
Look at George Washington. How is he posed? Look at the first Duke of Wellington. How is he posed? I rest my case.
Napoleon Bonaparte
 | Amazon Price: $16.43 List Price: $23.50 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.97 List Price: $24.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $12.42 List Price: $26.95 |
PBS series - Napoleon Part One
Military career
Me – I know you were promoted to brigadier general in 1793 when you were only 24. That’s very young to become a general. How did that come about?
LC – I had unlimited energy and ambition and learned how to take advantage of opportunities – much like Oprah Winfrey. And my timing was right. The French Revolution was well underway when I was placed in command of artillery during the Siege of Toulon. The city had risen against the republican government and was occupied by British troops.
I planned a strategy to capture a hill that would allow our artillery to dominate the harbor and force the British ships to leave. We succeeded. I received a wound in my thigh during the battle, but also received a Purple Heart. And a promotion to brigadier general in 1793.
My next big battle took place in 1795 in Paris when angry mobs of royalists attacked the Tuileries, the royal palace. I defended the palace with my men by using point-blank cannon fire which quickly cleared the streets. The People's Liberation Army of China used my technique at Tiananmen Square. I was hailed as a hero and promoted to major general. The new government was called the Directory.
"Impossible is a word only to be found in the dictionary of fools." - Napoleon Bonaparte
Greatest Achievements
me – I learned you won more than 40 major battles over the course of your career and were never defeated in a field battle without being heavily outnumbered. What did you consider your greatest achievement?
LC – My marriage to Josephine in 1796. She was a French woman from Martinique in the West Indies. Her first husband, Vicomte Alexandre de Beauharnais died by the guillotine during the Reign of Terror. She was a leader of French society when we met as well as the mistress of one of my generals. Although she was six years older and already had two children, I fell in love. I have always had a weakness for older women. Like Aston Kutcher.
"Courage is like love; it must have hope to nourish it." - Napoleon Bonaparte
LC - During the 90s (1790s), France was at war with much of Europe. Austria had become our chief enemy. A few days after our honeymoon, I took command of a French army on the Italian-French border. It was an ill-equipped force of less than 40,000 soldiers.
The Directory (our government) expected I would tie up Austrian forces in Italy while the larger French army won the war by attacking Vienna, the capital of Austria.
Do you know what happened? Merde de sainte! (Holy s**t), I won the war defeating four armies, each larger than my own in less than a year. Austria signed a treaty which enlarged France’s territory and I returned to Paris, hailed again as a hero.
"True wisdom for a general is vigorous determination ... He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." - Napoleon Bonaparte
Josephine and Napoleon
 | Amazon Price: $29.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $16.94 List Price: $39.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.40 List Price: $16.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $64.98 List Price: $35.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.00 List Price: $27.50 |
PBS series - Napoleon Part Two
Emperor Napoleon
Strategy and Alliances
me – Did you have a favorite military strategy?
LC – Of course, I had developed a very
successful military strategy that formed the basis of my future campaigns. At
the beginning of a battle, I would hold back as large a reserve as possible.
Then I would find the weakest point in the enemy’s lines and throw all our
strength against that point at the right moment. I seemed to know somehow the precise moment to attack. Just like my friend, Genghis.
When I returned to France, I formed key political alliances (Obama learned this technique from me), and seized control of the French government (1799). This was known as the coup d’etat of Eighteenth Brumaire. The French people replaced the Directory with a three-member Consulate and I became the first consul. The other two were simply stooges, I mean, my advisers.
France was ready for a strong leader and I was ready to be the new dictator, I mean, ruler. Treaties were signed with Austria and England and for the first time in ten years, Europe was at peace. Five years later, the Senate proclaimed me Emperor. I took the crown from the hands of Pope Pius VII and crowned myself in beautiful ceremonies at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
"If you want a thing done well, do it yourself." - Napoleon Bonaparte
PBS series - Napoleon Part Three
More Achievements
me – What else were you proudest of?
LC - During the next ten years. i led the French empire in a series of battles, the Napoleonic Wars, that involved every major European power. France became dominant in continental Europe and I formed extensive alliances with other countries and appointed friends and family members to rule these countries as French sattelite states.
Do you remember my seven siblings? I didn't forget them. My brother, Joseph? I made him the king of Naples. He was not very effective in administering his duties so two years later, I made him the king of Spain instead.
Lucien was the black sheep to me. He was critical of my policies and married a commoner against my wishes. But we did reconcile later in Elba.
Elisa was very intelligent and competent so I made her princess of Piombino and Lucca and grand duchess of Tuscany.
Louis was made king of Holland for four years but I forced him to abdicate because he was more concerned for the interests of the Dutch people than for those of France.
Pauline was my favorite sister and I made her princess of Guastalla. At the end, she showed herself to be more loyal than any of my other siblings.
Caroline became queen of Naples through the efforts of her husband, General Murat. But she conspired against me hoping her son would succeed me and later fled to Austria.
Jerome became king of Westphalia where he is remembered for his extravagant irresponsibility, not his administrative or military skills..
PBS series - Napoleon Part Four
Napoleonic Code
me - Tell me about the part you played in producing the Napoleonic Code.
LC - I supervised the revision and collection of French law into seven codes which incorporated many of the freedoms gained by the people during the French revolution, including religious freedom and the abolition of serfdom. The most famous code, the Code Napoleon or Code Civil, still forms the basis of French civil law. I also centralized France's government by appointing prefects to administer regions called departments, into which France was divided.
"My true glory is not to
have won 40 battles ... Waterloo will erase the memory of so many
victories, ... But ... what will live forever, is my Civil Code." - Napoleon Bonaparte
PBS series - Napoleon Part Five
Personal life
me - Why did you divorce Josephine?
LC - I divorced Josephine in 1810 despite her popularity as the empress because I needed an heir. I then married Marie-Louise, Archduchess of Austria. "I married a womb." We had one child, my son, Napoleon Francis Joseph Charles known as the king of Rome. He became Napoleon II but died of tuberculosis at the age of 21, with no children.
"The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother." - Napoleon Bonaparte
I also produced several illegitimate children but they and my many affairs and mistresses would take too much space to describe.
"Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me." - Napoleon Bonaparte
Films
 | Amazon Price: $12.45 List Price: $24.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.99 |
![Biography - Napoleon Bonaparte: The Glory of France [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41T8AMCTPTL._SL75_.jpg){kind=small} | Amazon Price: $11.92 List Price: $14.95 |
| Amazon Price: $9.97 List Price: $24.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $10.80 List Price: $24.95 |
Beginning of the End
LC - As I reflect on my career, I believe my decision to invade Russia marked the turning point. Czar Alexander I of Russia had rejected the Continental System I had put in place so I gathered the largest army Europe had ever seen, 600,000 men, and marched to Moscow in 1812. Much of the city had been destroyed by fire. Almost 500,000 soldiers died during our long freezing retreat. The Russian army did not defeat us. The Russian winter did.
me - Why did you abdicate?
LC - A hostile alliance of Russia, Great Britain, Austria, Prussia and Sweden called for the return to France of a king of the Bourbon family. They forced me to abdicate and give up the imperial throne to Louis XVIII. I was exiled to the tiny island, Elba, off the northwest coast of Italy with 600 of my loyal men.
My wife and son were sent to live with my father-in-law, the emperor of Austria. I never saw them again.
"You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your tricks of war." - Napoleon Bonaparte
Hundred Days Rule
"I tell you Wellington is a bad general, the English are bad soldiers; we will settle this matter by lunch time." - Napoleon Bonaparte
me - What was the Hundred Days rule?
LC - On Elba, I planned my return to France to re-establish myself as the emperor. In 1815, I landed at Cannes with about 1,100 followers and marched to Paris gathering thousands of supporters along the way. The king, Louis XVIII, fled Paris as I approached.
I immediately proclaimed a new constitution which would limit my power, and promised the allies I would not make war. But they considered me an "enemy and disturber of the peace of the world." Once again, both sides prepared for battle.
With about 125,000 men, I planned to defeat two separate
armies: Britain's Duke of Wellington and the Prussian Marshal Gebhard von
Blucher. On June 16, Blucher was defeated at Ligny (Belgium). On June
18, I attacked Wellington at Waterloo in what has become one of
history's most famous battles. The battle featured spectacular charges by
thousands of my French cavalry. But when it appeared that the British forces would
collapse, Blucher's troops arrived to reinforce Wellington. Badly outnumbered, my loyal French army suffered a crushing defeat.
"The greatest general is he who makes the fewest mistakes." - Napoleon Bonaparte
I returned to Paris and abdicated for the second time. The period from my return to Paris from Elba to my second abdication is known as the Hundred Days. I was exiled again to the barren British island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Royalty, the Revolution and Napoleon (in only 4 minutes)
More Historical Interviews
- Interview with Cleopatra
Cleopatra Last Pharaoh of Egypt Until now I have been using my superhuman skills in superior, supernatural interviewing to talk with dead people famous but altogether dead people who were rulers... - Interview with Genghis Khan
I know what you are thinking. Genghis died in 1227. That's almost 800 years ago. True. But there have been many new developments in cryogenic research that you may not be aware of. Watch for upcoming interviews with Cleopatra and Dracula/Vlad also. - Interview with Dracula
You already know all about my superior, supernatural method of interviewing if you read my previous interviews with Genghis Kahn and Napoleon Bonaparte. Succinctly stated, I see (and interview)dead people"
Napoleon vs. Wellington collectible chess set
No Amazon products found | Amazon Price: $14.94 List Price: $14.95 |
Epilogue
me - You have been described as one of the greatest military leaders in history. In fact, you dominated your era so completely that European history between 1800 and 1815 is commonly described as the Napoleonic era.
LC - Of course I am proud of my complex military maneuvers and many military victories. But I am even more proud of promoting the growth of the modern state through my administrative and legal reforms, and the changes in the map of Europe that stimulated movements for national unification.
And if I could do it over again, I would ask more money from the U.S. for the Louisiana Purchase than the three cents an acre I originally charged.
On St. Helena, I spent much of my time dictating to friends my version of the events that occurred during my lifetime. Nowadays, I order all the "Napoleon" films from Anmazon.com and watch them while munching on Napoleons - that delicious custard-cream-filled, layered pastry concoction named after me.
Napoleon died on May 5, 1821 of a stomach ulcer that was probably cancer. Most historians do not believe the theory that he died of arsenic poisoning. He is buried at the Eglise du Dome (Church of the Dome), which is part of the Hotel des Invalides (Home for Disabled Soldiers).
Napoleon's last words were, "France, armée, tête d'armée, Joséphine." ("France, army, head of the army, Joséphine.")
Napoleon's Legacy
me - If there is a lesson to be learned for our leaders from your insightful and wise quotations, which of your quotes would you choose?
LC - I would advise: Follow: "Incidents should not govern policy; but policy, incidents." (I'm thinking immigration law.)
Do not follow: "In politics... never retreat, never retract... never admit a mistake." (Leaders would do well to admit mistakes.).
© Copyright BJ Rakow Ph.D. 2010, 2011. All rights reserved
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (13)
- Funny (8)
- Awesome (23)
- Beautiful (9)
- Interesting
CommentsLoading...
Well done drbj. Enjoyed this very much. Awaiting the next with bated breath. Lynda
Once again I'm learning new things from you drbj.
"The average height of Frenchman was 5'5"..? So much for the 'he had short man syndrome' theory.He certainly had chutzpah..definitely not sluggish.
Russia has been the downfall of many an ambitious leader.
PS Lol @ the *checking my love handles* comment.
Your mysterious interview process revealed some very coherent information...but can you do another session with LC and force him to reveal more about the hand in coat business?
I spent some formative years in a small town in Texas named for Nappy's birthplace. It's called Corsicana, TX and it is as weird a town as they come. Now I actually know why it was named after the town N.B. came from! I'm talking twilight zone stuff. Maybe I'll do a hub about it.
You know, this style of interviewing could become another contest similar to Stan's Killer Ideas for Writing Your Next Hub! Let's get a list together and challenge our fellow hubbers to write about historical figures in this intriguing interview style! There's Hitler, Marie Antoinnette, General Lee or Custer, Mary Todd Lincoln, and many more.
BTW, what's the difference between a Brigadier General and a regular General? I have no idea...
This is such an original concept. I roared over the comparison to Oprah! This was intriguing, informative and extremely funny...really, drbj, a stroke of genius, an interview infiltrating the past and present. I can't wait for Dracula!
What a brillent hub, I love this idea and this interview. This is a grand idea and hub...You my dear friend have found your niche, um spelling...anyway, I do look forward to many more, and I too have a crystal ball and sage so if you need to congur up some powerful forces please contact me and I will send you my tools of power, I am all so sorry for not having any new newts for you, however I can send you the wart on my nose... of course with Godspeed...I rate this awesome and rate up up up your fan darski
Ahhhhhh, my friend , you have for sure past your test.
I am an ( EXPERT , ) in NAPOLEON , and you delivered an A- STAR post.
I thank you for jumping to the challenge, and delivering.
Very well done .
"If you want a thing done well, do it yourself." - This would not appear to have been applied to his sex life ;-)))
I laughed all the way through.This is brilliant and soo funny. I liked the Long Ranger,Oprah,Obama,and the amount spent on the Lousiana purchase.Patiently awaiting your next interview.
Cheers
I do like your interview method. Such a painless history lesson! "Emperor Napoleon" -- Are you sure his hand is on his chest?? (lol)
This was so clever and such a fun read, Dr. BJ! You're awesome!
I about went into a panic for like 10 seconds or so, I can't read a lick of French, I am so entirely glad you translated for us.
Now on to the good part - *Drops to knees - bends forward, prostrating self with hands on floor in the direction of drbj. You have out done yourself.
When you get famous for your interviews, because I see you on the level or better than Barbara Walters, may I say with a sigh... "I knew her when"?
Since I am a vampire fan - I agree with Amy, can't wait for Dracula! Wouldn't mind hearing a little about Shakespear and his antics too! And maybe the guy with 1 ear who was it? Van Gogh? (LOL - I'm too funny)
AWESOME!!
wow.. this post has it all.. history, humor, and Josephine, too! nicely done!!!
I was amused and informed at the same time. Thanks for this unique expeience drbj!
I so enjoyed this fabulous "interview." I gleaned a lot of new information from it, too. I especially enjoyed hearing about his siblings. One thing for sure, the Russian Winter has beaten back many a grand army.
OMG BJ - That was delightful!!! Now I realize what you were referring to in my hub comment - I was like 'huh?' (not surprising since I am now blond by proxy and it seems to be damaging my brain.
Clever, clever, clever but still SO ripe with information and gotta love the little additions of his humor. I love the comment under the picture about his 'sissy leg'.
Good lord, girl, you can write and what a great way to start my Saturday. Great quotes and helps us all get a better understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. Gotta love the 'holy sh***' - and the last quote "In politics... never retreat, never retract... never admit a mistake." I do believe that is our government's present policy, no?
I must read your other interview later today! You are so fortunate that you got them to talk!!
Hi, Jacob. Thank you for the "very interesting" and the visit. I plan on many more "Interviews with Famous Dead Persons."
You don't have to thank me; it's my pleasure.
Yet another awesome interview my friend, I think you should do an interview with someone controversial like Hitler. So many students study Hitler and the Third Reich and I think it wud get you massive views, anyways I love these interviews.
The only thing I didnt like about Napoleon was his famous phrase "not tonight Josephine", the Art wud never say that, for me its any night lol, enjoy yer weekend ; )
Thank you, Lynda, for the "well done" and "enjoying this (hub) very much."
Since you are "awaiting the next with bated breath," I better get on the ball quickly so you don't become asphyixiated, asphyfixated ... short of breath!
Hi, Jane. I have read that Napoleon was every height between 5'2" and 5'7" but 5'5" (with heels) seems to be the average of every estimate.
It was Alfred Adler, the psychiatrist who added the Napoleonic (short man) syndrome to his interpretation of introverts vs. extroverts.
Yes, M. Bonaparte had no shortage of chutspah - he could probably claim the world's record for it.
Delighted you enjoyed this hub and the "love handles" remark. Thank you for your literate comments and your visit.
Thanks, Feline Prophet, for "enjoying the coherent information obtained by my mysterious interview process."
I will try to contact the Little Corporal again for you, but he was very reticent about the "hand in the waistcoat business."
My own interpretation: either he was neurotic about checking his heartbeat (taking a pulse may not have occurred to him), or he lost one of his mittens. :)
Dear Lela, Wow, if Corsicana was as strange as Corsica in the early days, I would love to read your hub when you write it. Twilight zone stuff, you say?
Thanks for adding the names of potential interviewees to my list. Next, I plan to do Dracula, then Cleopatra. Marco Polo is also on my list and now I'll consider the names you provided, too - Hitler, Marie Antoinette, General Robert E. Lee. General Custer and Sitting Bull, Mary Todd Lincoln, and any others of special interest.
Thanks for your welcome comments.
Re the difference between a Brigadier General and a regular General - I believe the progression is Lieutenant General, Major General, Brigadier General and
5-star General.
Lela - The above applies to the U.S. I just did some additional research and during the French Revolution the progression was Brigade General, Divisional General, Corps General, Army General and Marshal. Napoleon, of course, added Emperor as the highest rank.
Hi, Amy. Thank you for recognizing and enjoying my original concept of interviewing.
You have won a place in my heart with your lovely comments: ":intriguing, informative and extremely funny... a stroke of genius."
I do hope Oprah and Ashton have a sense of humor! Next up Dracula/Vlad.
Hello, darski, thank you so much for visiting and your most gracious comments. I'm loving your "brilliant hub" comment - it makes my day.
As you pointed out, yes, I may have found my niche and I'm enjoying every moment. It's good to know you are willing to share your crystal ball and sage if I need more powerful tools for conjuring assistance.
Do not worry about the lack of newts - sometimes no newts is good newts. Thank you for the awesome and up up up rating. I am your fan, darksi.
Fondly, bj
Wow, debbie, an A-star rating from a Napoleon expert? I'm positively overwhelmed.
It was my pleasure to jump to the challenge and pass the test. Thank you for stopping by and your well-done comment.
Actually, dimi, his famous quote: "If you want a thing done well, do it yourself." would really have applied to Napoleon's extra-curricular sex life.
True, he was unable to produce an heir with his wife, Josephine, but he did produce a son with his second wife, Marie-Louise.
And his well known exploits with famous and infamous French mistresses and assorted other women earned him plaudits on a different type of battlefield, if you know what I mean. :)
Thank you, Rose, for "laughing all the way through" and finding this hub "brilliant and soo funny." I like you for liking what I thought were some of the funniest parts: Lone Ranger, Oprah, etc. You are welcome to visit - any time.
My next interview will be coming up soon. Stay tuned. And cheers backatcha!
Thank you, mysterylady, for liking my interview method. And for appreciating what I wanted to do with it - a "painless history lesson." The best kind, don't you think? You asked, funny lady, if I am sure Napoleon's hand is on his chest? No, but if I had written something else Google might have been upset.
You ARE a naughty one. The best kind.
Hi, Kimberly. How nice to have you visit.
Thank you so much for your very gracious comments: "clever, fun read and awesome" are some of my very favorite words.
Hi, susie. I just wanted to throw some high school French around - I seldom get to use it - when I can remember it, that is.
OMG - are you actually prostrating yourself in my direction. This is a first. I am overwhelmed. At a loss for words. Well, on second thought, I have never been known as one to be at a loss for words!
What do you mean "when I get famous?" I'm famous now on Hubpages for having marvelously witty and humorous Hubbuddies like yourself responding to my hubs with funny and amusing comments. So there.
So you can proudly proclaim to all and sundry that you know me now! Awesome me, that is.
You're a vampire fan, too. Guess there is a number of us who only come out at night. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll consider Shakespeare and Van Gogh, too. Only not in the same hub. :) Yes, you are funny!
Hiya, Chris. Funny, I didn't hear you drive up on your cycle. Is it that new futuristic model with silent running? Oops, silent running I think is for submarines.
Thank you for your kind comments of "history, humor, and Josephine, too!" Delighted you could stop by.
Hi, psychicdog. I am absolutely gratified that I was able to amuse AND inform you at the same time. That was precisely my intent. You must be psychic!
It was my pleasure to provide an "unique experience." Thank you for saying so.
James - I am always flattered when you visit as I see you as the exceptionally erudite history expert on HubPages.
I'm delighted that you "enjoyed this fabulous interview," and gleaned new information from it, too.
I also enjoyed learning about his seven siblings. Who knew?
And you are so right; Napoleon was not the first conqueror to be beaten by the severe Russian winter.
Hiya, Audrey. Thank you for visiting. On your hub I was referring to this interview with Napoleon and the previous one with Genghis Khan. Who knew you didn't know?
You mustn't disparage proxy blondes though since I am one, too. It damages the brain? OMG, who knew?
Thank you for you scintillating comments; I love "delightful, ripe with information and additions of his humor." You are the WOMAN!
And you noticed the comment about being a "sissy leader" - that was one of my favorites, but then so are you! So happy you found me and vice versa and delighted you had a great start to your weekend.
You are a very perceptive person, ak, you always find the little bits in my hubs that I am particularly fond of like the Holy S**t quote. And you are so right: the last quote is our government's present policy. "In politics... never retreat, never retract... never admit a mistake."
You asked, how did I get these folks I interviewed to talk? Simple. I threatened that if they didn't give me explicit interviews I would turn them over to you for a skiing trip or a swimming vacation. It worked!
How about an interview with President Andrew Jackson. He was a very controvercial but interesting figure in American History.
Julius Ceasar might also be an interesting conversation..
Or some of the Egyptian pharos
Thank you, Art, for the "awesome interview" comment.
You mentioned what you didn't like about Napoleon was his famous phrase "not tonight, Josephine", a remark the Tatto Guy would never say. I know, but don't worry. I think Napoleon was misquoted. What he really said was: "Not this minute, Josephine, let me shower off the dirt of battle first!"
You have a great weekend, too. I don't know if I could add Hitler to my list; can't think of anything funny about him.
I first read this right after you'd published it. I came back and read it again. So good I perused it twice. Up there with good ol' New York. This is a wonderfully creative way to present historically important individuals to the world and I applaud both your style and the delivery.
I would love to read an interview with Alexander the Great, or Elizabeth 1st. Maybe even the inspiring Vasco da Gama - possibly the most intrepid sea farer in mankind's history to date.
Inspiring, absorbing and so unique :)
Very enjoyable. And though I don't wish to argue with Napoleon, I do think the style he and others set in posing with one hand hidden is simply that painters find hands so difficult to get right. Ever notice the hands in cartoons? Three fingers and a thumb.
In reference to the 'When you get famous' - Of course you ARE famous right here on hubpages... it was in my mind when I wrote it like this;
Turning on the TV seeing a very well shadowed drbj in her babushka, interviewing a dead person asking those burning questions... Yep, that was what I was thinking.. I never said my thinking was normal..
As for the prostrating..... "You are the master!' How could I not?
WOW what an impressive and delightful surprise, I very much enjoyed Interview with Napoleon Bonaparte. I will be careful not to make to much of this BUT it AMAZING! Love it, rated up and all that's good. :)
drbj,
Great history lesson, great humor. Those newt legs do wonders! I'm glad to finally understand that weird pose in all those paintings! If he could do it all over again, he would have gotten more than 3 cents an acre! Too funny. I can't help but point out (since I'm somewhat of an epilepsy advocate) that there are rumors of Napoleon having epilepsy. I wonder what he would have said about that? ^^
And in between laughs..I found what I was looking for, drbj....it was fascinating.
Allow me to keep that to myself. Just a validation...no more.
Ohh I love the picture which you labeled "posing like me" lolol...
Oh..your hub was very informative, indeed!! Thank you!!
Brilliant idea to put historical information into an interview. Thank you for an enjoyable read and learing a few more facts.
Excellent job !!!! Thank you for this unique hub.
Nice to make your acquaintance, Mr Tindle.
Thanks for your visit and your suggestions. I will consider adding Andrew Jackson and Julius Caesar to the list of potential interviewees.
Regarding pharaohs, I plan to interview Cleopatra who was a female pharaoh and ruled Egypt together with a token male pharaoh, her younger brother.
Wow, Andria, you read this twice? You are a good Hubbuddy! Thank you, thank you for applauding and appreciating my "style and delivery."
As if that were not enough, you went on to call this work "inspiring, absorbing and so unique."
You know how you sometimes see folks beside the highway with signs that say, "Will work for food?" My sign says, "Happy to work for plaudits."
Thank you for your excellent suggestions. I plan to interview Alexander the Great and maybe a few of the great kings and queens of yore. I think "yore" is located somewhere outside Monaco.
You are inspired by Vasco da Gama? the intrepid seafarer/explorer? Then I'll have to see if I can track him down, too. Any idea which ocean he is now frequenting?
Dude, I'm loving this cool niche you've got! I wish that I'd have thunk it!
Hi drbj, You are hilarious drbj, When I went to Paris, I went to visit where his tomb is Les Invalides, he is short indeed...Wonderful hub, Drbj, Check your email, I emailed you or visit this forum thread. One of your hub was copied --Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oasis of the Seas Review.
read the thread about copied content here .. http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/59451#top
Yo, Wesman, I'm loving you dude, for loving this "cool niche." Thanks for the kind comment. Drop in any time.
Hi, sheila, thanks for the visit and enjoying this hub. And you are right on the mark. Painters do find hands difficult to paint. However, whatever the reason for the hand in waistcoat, it does provide interesting fodder for discussion. Don't you agree?
susie - whatcha think? Is there a market for a movie sequel, "Drbj Interviewing Dead People?" Except I'm not sure what genre it would be: history or comedy.
Another prostrating comment? OMG, now I'll have to watch out for the papparazzi. :)
You have original idea here. I really liked how you make good improvement in this hub. This hub is so special. I learn much from you. I give my Vote Up special for you.
Prasetio:)
Hello, katie. Thank you for the superlative comments: "impressive, delightful, amazing ... " And the "Wow!" too.
I'm more than gratified that you enjoyed this interview and delighted that you visited to tell me so. Thanks for loving it, rating it up, and all those delicious superlatives. You're my kind of woman! :)
Hi, AC. I knew you would know about newt legs - they are nifty! Thanks for enjoying my humorous history lesson, I think I would have enjoyed history more in grade school if any of my history teachers had owned a sense of humor. Didn't happen.
Bonaparte really didn't want to sell Louisiana so cheaply but France's creditors at the time were very demanding.
I, too, read rumors of various diseases attributed to Napoleon, in addition to megalomania but could not find confirmation. Though he did have a giant ego. Thanks for stopping by with the warm comments. :)
Hi, Melinda. I knew I would find you here - you seem to be someone who appreciates the finer points of history. Or is that the funnier points?
Regardless, I am overjoyed you found this fascinating and informative and enjoyed a few laughs in the bargain - always a plus.
Thanks as always for being such a loyal follower - you are my pleasure.
Hi, hello, so happy to see you here, especially since you used the adjective, 'brilliant,' to describe this 'informative' interview. You are welcome any time.
BTW, did you say 'historical' or 'hysterical'? I'll accept them both. :)
How do you do, meteoboy, so nice to make your acquaintance. Thank you for the excellent 'excellent' comment. No need to thank me, it is my distinct pleasure.
Hi, Maita. Welcome to my historical world, and thank you for the "hilarious" and the "wonderful" - they make my day. You are so right, the tomb does seem to be rather short for the 5'5" (with boots) that M. Bonaparte claimed.
Thank you also for watching my back re that item in the forums. I notified that rogue about using my articles without crediting my byline and he responded he was removing it. You are a friend indeed.
Hello, prasetio, my faraway friend. I read about an active volcano in your part of the world. Hope you and your loved ones are nowhere near it!
Thank you for your always gracious comments. And voting up. "Original" and "special" are two of my favorite words. :)
wow, another one after Genghis Khan. Love it, you are doing some fantastic job.
Thank you, saleheensblog-man, for loving my historical hubs and the comment, 'fantastic job.' You are obviously a perceptive, discerning, appreciative reader. Welcome to my slightly skewed world. :)
Napoleon inserted his right hand into the closure of his jacket in photos. This is one of many secret signs of secret societies. These all descended from the Ishmaelis and are, at the core, demonic/Satanic.
Other groups you may have heard of: Knights Templar, Masons, Shriners, Rosicrucians, Luciferians, Satanists, Jesuits.
Wow, drjb. One of the best and most original ways to present history in an easy, enjoyable and satisfying style and presentation! I love the interview idea, and you could repeat it for a whole variety of great subjects, making even Einstein easy to understand! Now there's a hub for someone! Heh!
Some of the lines above were so funny:
"...No, I was actually checking out the size of my love handles...." Where did that come from? LOL! Great hub! Rating up!
Nice to meet you, Man from Modesto. Yes, there are many body language signs used by secret societies, and the hand in the waistcoat sign might be one of them, but I found no definitive research suggesting that Napoleon was displaying such a sign when photographed - but simply following the fashion of the times.
I also read that M. Bonaparte might have been fondling a favorite "lucky" coin but could find no evidence of same.
Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment.
Hi, Cassy, how nice to have you visit. Thanks for enjoying this style and presentation. I love the interview idea, too, because it allows for more humor and creativity.
And I do plan on repeating this framework for other infamous leaders. I have already published "Interview with Napoleon Bonaparte" and will finish Dracula soon. (If Dracula doesn't finish me first.)
Einstein - that's an idea I'll consider, too. Thanks. Love you for loving my funny lines. Thanks for all the superlatives and the Up - you're now an official Hubbuddy!
If they teach History like this in schools, students will certainly become historians of great distinction. I’m in awe! What more can I say? I’ve marched all over the appropriate buttons.
Martie said it! Wow, drbj, this is brilliant, fun, educational and addictive. I can hardly wait to read more. If history classes were even one tenth as entertaining, I'd have majored in it!
This was fascinating, thanks for providing me with a glimpse of the inner man. Great way to present historical figures. Thank you!
Hi, Martie, how nice to see you here. Students as 'historians of distinction'? Now that's a goal to shoot for. Delighted that I provided you with some measure of awe - that's one of MY goals.
Thank you for your lovely words and "marching all over my buttons." You're a sweetheart!
Hello, Alexandra, and welcome. I do love your superlative adjectives and most gracious comments. Thank you, thank you.
Me, too. I enjoyed history way back when in school but never went out of my way to research, and like you, hardly ever found it 'entertaining.' Now I'm learning what I missed and am delighted to share whatever I find.
Hi, daPuma, Delighted you found 'Napoleon' and found it fascinating.
It was not difficult to create a fascinating hub about such a fascinating individual. And no need for thanks, daP, the pleasure, believe me, is all mine. :)
I still remember pulling my Bonaparte!
Napoleon met a mistress Josephine also met his Waterloo and had his Bone torn a part by the infamous Mr Duke of Wellington. The little general met his match. Jumped all over your buttons and rated UP...loved it..
Oh, poor Micky, oh, so sad,
Pulled his Bonaparte when a lad.
Leave him alone
And he will come home,
That episode was just a fad!
Hi, Ken. I don't let just anyone jump all over my "buttons" but in your case I will make an exception. Thanks for the clever comments, the jumping and the UP. Love you for loving it! :)
..simply - well I'll just say it - simply bloody amazing - you are my hero - I am so much in love with this hub - and the others too - Bony, Genghy and Drac too! They need to put these three hubs and frame them into the Louvre - or every public library in the world - I'm serious - or at the very least into a time capsule saying - this is what a truly great hub looked like - Bravo!!!!!!
OMG and other revered deities, epi - you rock my world with your lavish praise, and make me forget that many of the people in my life that I have loved are no longer here to laugh with me at my literary travesties.
So on their behalf as well as my own, thank you, gracias, grazie, merci - thank you in every language known to mankind.
How fortunate I am to have found you! :) Y'all come back now, you heah!
Hi, billrobinson, nice to meet you. Thanks for the thanks - it was entirely my pleasure and yes, I intend to publish more. If you will keep reading and commenting, that is.
Take a look at Genghis and Dracula and let me know what you think.
You undoubtedly do know your history, and you certainly give life to your characters, but you perhaps made one of history's nasties seem a bit too nice.
Nice to meet you, christopheranton, thanks for visiting. You may be right about the bit too nice; I'm a product of the school that says don't say anything if you can't say something nice. So I try to focus on whatever positives I can find in the subjects of my "Interviews".
If you think I was too lenient concerning Napoleon, take a look at my "Interview with Dracula." :)
I must do that. Thanks.
Thank you, christophe - it will be MY pleasure.
Thank you for sharing with us the wisdom of Napoleon - that part I knew nothing about. I loved this interview as much as the others and can't wait to see what you will come up with next.
Keep on eye on Christophe, he is also doing new version (with a twist) of old and not so old historic events
Hello, Petra, you are welcome. Thank you for visiting, your perceptive and gracious comments, and loving my Interviews with Dead People.
Bonnie and Clyde are my newest subjects. Thanks for the Petra-Alert regarding Christopher. Will keep a eye out. :)
After reading your blog about succesful interview tips for getting a job, I know now where and how you got your great techniques about making people reveal their true nature and motives. Will recommand that blog to others, just like I am doing with almost all of your hubs.
You are the greatest and I hope you know it. Have a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year ever, keep us informed and entretained, love Petra
What lovely, gracious comments, Petra. Thank you, thank you. I do appreciate your recommending my blogs to others almost as much as I appreciate you.
"The greatest," eh? Well they say it takes one to know one. :)
A very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthful New Year to you, too. I will do my best to keep you all informed and entertained - two of the things I most love to do. Besides eating chocolate chip cookies, that is.
Fun to read and educational to boot! Couldn't ask for more.
Thank you, readydesigns, what a nice thing to say. I'm delighted you found this fun to read and educational. Makes me feel 'mission accomplished'! :)
Drbj - tres tres bien! Votre Francaise est excellent!
Aston Kutcher! Comme on dit on "hilarious" en Francaise?
Je vous remercie, RH - Comiques et brillant est ce que je cherche à être. "Comiques" is the nearest equivalent to hilarious that I know about.
Thank you for enjoying Napoleon - in any language!
I love these interviews! I love French too but mine is tres mal! I think Napoleon was so interesting too - I have a mini dashound - I wanted to name him Napoleon! He does think he can conquer the whole neighborhood! The kids won so we named him Mr. Peanut:)!
I hope you have a great weekend!
Mercie, RH, for loving these interviews. About your sweet doggie - maybe he/she realized discretion - in the neighborhood - was the best part of valor. May you have a great weekend, too. Avoir!
jacobkuttyta Level 1 Commenter 18 months ago
Very interesting. Look forward to reading more interviews.
Thanks for the efforts!