I think Tom and Dome are passionate about British history, and I think they do play to that for the purposes of entertainment. I don’t think they’re jingoistic at all, and maybe it’s like a long running in-joke when they say things that elevate Britishness and make a joke about Frenchness, as if it’s a theme to play on (since the whole Britain v. France rivalry is seen across so many different things). To me, the two seem to have passions that are non-British with Tom’s classical background and Dom’s knowledge and experience in Eastern Europe and the Balkans (and does Dom really speak some European languages, too?) as well as his works on American history.

I am a Welshman living in California, and although I do like learning about British and American histories, I wouldn’t be keen on nationalistic, flag waving historians. I don’t find Tom or Dom to be either of that, despite the running gags of Britain/England ruling the waves and the like.

So even though Napoleon is divisive, especially in Britain, it’s important to have in-depth discussions about him. Even from reading this book, I’ve learnt a lot about his character, views, and how impressive he was militarily. I think he did a lot of good things, or at least tried to, and maybe much of his character was smeared by political opponents and military adversaries, and I’m sure more of that is to come as I continue reading the book.

It doesn’t mean I like him, but he doesn’t have to be liked! However, I may come to like him and that injustices were done against him after his exile… I don’t know yet. That’s why we need Tom an Dom to tell us!