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Napoleonic EraDiscuss the many wars fought around the globe around the time of Napoleon. This forum is dedicated to the memory of Ben Weider.
Half a year ago, May 2008, while I was touring the USA, I had a stopover at Memphis, Tennessee. While waiting for the BBQ festival to start I had a drink at Beale street, a very tourist thing to do
It was quiet still, around noon and the barman had time to chat. Where I was from: Holland; and what did I do and I told him I'm a military historian. Not the whole truth but in my experience it invariably makes great conversation and it certainly did here.
He told me about Elvis Presley and nearby Graceland and the Sun Studio in this street and that he had a theory that Napoleon and Elvis had a thing in common. Then I got intrigued...
He stated that most people have a preference for the young or the old Elvis, just like for the general Bonaparte of for Emperor Napoleon I. Like with Elvis, Napoleon fans come in two sorts: those who like the young one or the old one, the lean one or the fat one. The version where the hero is wild or where the hero is King/Emperor.
I liked his theory and supplemented him with battles whereas he could add labels to refresh my faded Elvis knowledge.
Young general Bonaparte's battles at the head of his revolutionary army of Italy full of zeal at Lodi and Rivoli are inspired by undiscovered genius, wits and guts, outsmarting the enemy. They sort of have the candour of freshness, just like Elvis' Sun records: 'Blue Moon of Kentucky', 'Mystery Train', they just swing..
Napoleon's later battles are still brilliant but now he is emperor, heavy and and mighty: Austerlitz, Jena. These can be compared to Elvis's most famous singles with RCA: 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Love me Tender', when he is the 'King'.
After that both grow fatter still, admittedly very capable of producing masterpieces but both on their slow decline.
I'm not sure if the analogy is completely water tight but I liked the general idea, especially the period thing when you like and admire both most: lean/fat; wild/settled. I do indeed have my preferences for a certain period of both over the other.
__________________ "You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you!" - Leon Trotsky, June 1919
I am aware of the young Elvis& the old Elvis - and the younger Nappy & the older one. However, I accept both varieties of each & definitely do not prefer one over the other. I accept both versions of each without making "like or dislike" judgments.
Very interesting post, i, myself have always been more interested in the younger Napoleon, i have always been fascinated by Toulon, the Italian campaign and Egypt, whereas my wife who is more of a fan of Elvis than me, has always preferred the younger Presley than the older fatter one, give me the Kinks or Kate Bush anyday.
__________________ Never Fear the Event
Admiral Lord Nelson, 1801
Major General Thomas Picton, Commander of the 3rd Division, with Wellington's Army in the Iberian Peninisular
Very interesting thread, Jeroen. Certainly makes one think, that's for sure. I myself have this preference for the younger version of each, when they both (Elvis and Napoleon) were in the process of establishing themselves while trying to maximize their potential to lead (Napoleon) and entertain (Elvis).
For although I'm no expert, Napoleon's early campaigns and victories fascinate me, while the music that emanated from the Elvis of 1954-55 is more resounding and feel good as far as I'm concerned. Moreover, their earlier contributions within their respective fields of endeavor were in many ways seminal and altogether new, as Napoleon established these new military paradigms/battlefield alignments while Elvis helped launch the birth of Rock n' Roll.
Also, the older versions of each, although still inspired and popular, totally lacked the vitality and promise of the younger versions, as Napoleon, in certain ways and on various levels, was more formidable in his youth (up until 1806), while Elvis's hits were more ground-breaking and altogether original when he was younger, in his early 20's. Though of course that's just my opinion, which is always open to heated debate.
Either way Jeroen this is still a very interesting and fun thread, and kudos for having the originality for starting it. Taylor!!!
Fools! Don't you know that Elvis IS Napoleon? He was reincarnated in order to take over America's female consciousness and thereby enslave all of Western society..
__________________ ARRRR! International Talk Like A Pirate Day - September 19th IN MARE IN COELO
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The younger versions!
...love me tender...
Fools! Don't you know that Elvis IS Napoleon? He was reincarnated in order to take over America's female consciousness and thereby enslave all of Western society..
!
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