Shannon interviews Napoleon

Ever wonder what it would be like to interview Napoleon Bonaparte? I had the pleasure of doing just that for History Imagined. I spoke to Napoleon three months after his arrival in the United States (an adventure detailed in my alternate history novel Napoleon in America). He was at Point Breeze, the estate of his brother Joseph Bonaparte in Bordentown, New Jersey. We talked of war, love, his family and his plans in America. Here’s a snippet from the interview.

SS: Your Majesty, what do you think of America compared to Europe?

NB: The United States has a weak government and an impotent army. If it were in the middle of Europe, it would not last two years. The Americans are mere merchants. They seek glory in making money. But the one admirable quality the Americans have, the aspect in which they now surpass Europe, is liberal ideas. I approve of this, since I saved the Revolution and held the torch of liberalism in France. Europe is presently in the hands of despots, banded together for the oppression of mankind. They have placed Louis XVIII on the French throne, contrary to the wishes of the nation. They endeavour to vilify me. They ought to praise me, for my deeds brought glory to France.

To read the full Napoleon interview, click here.

History Imagined is a wonderful blog for readers, writers and lovers of historical fiction by authors Linda Bennett Pennell, Caroline Warfield and Becky Lower. In addition to their own great posts about history, they feature fun interviews with characters in historical fiction. Browse around the site and you’ll find plenty to enjoy.