THREE THINGS I’VE LEARNED THIS MONTH
“He came from nothing. He conquered everything.” So reads the tagline on a poster advertising the new Napoleon biopic, which hits the screens this month. It’s one of the most anticipated history films of the year and has already reignited debates about the life and career of the French emperor. In our cover feature this month, we jump into these debates with the help of historians Laura O’Brien and David Andress. How should we view Napoleon two centuries after his death? Was he a hero, a tyrant or something in between? Turn to page 46 to read the piece and please do get in touch with your own thoughts.
The news in recent weeks has, of course, been largely focused on the Israel-Gaza war and, at the time of writing, a resolution seems a long way off. But how, if ever, can seemingly intractable conflicts be brought to an end? That’s a question we discuss in this month’s Conversation section (page 9), where you’ll also find a thought-provoking survey of cost of living crises over the decades (page 12).
On a cheerier note, this is our Christmas issue and contains within it a number of festive treats. You’ll find our annual Books of the Year round-up on page 64, while you can also test your history knowledge with our Christmas quiz (page 84) and bumper crossword (page 86). And though our January issue will actually be with you shortly before 25 December, I hope you don’t mind if I take this early opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Rob Attar
Editor
1. High-flying ape
Among many arresting details in our feature on a 1969 transatlantic air race, I was intrigued to read that one of the competitors was a five-year-old chimpanzee who had previously appeared on TV adverts for Brooke Bond tea (page 43).
2. A bright Christmas
In this month’s Anniversaries I was fascinated to learn that 2,500 light bulbs were used to illuminate the enormous Christmas tree erected in front of the White House in December 1923 (page 6).
3. Santa’s got a gun
