I was intrigued to learn that the Partizan Press was broadening its horizons '. . . wider yet, and wider', and proposing to add a Napoleonic title to its burgeoning publishing empire. I was even more flattered when Dave Ryan invited me to serve as the new publication's Honourary Editor, a position I have pleasure in accepting.

Having been involved one way and another in studying the Napoleonic period for almost a third of a century - during which time I have written eight books and given many, many papers and lectures devoted to military aspects of the subject - I have seen quite a few magazines come and (often undeservedly) go. But from the ashes of one publication the phoenix of another has invariably arisen as the fascination of the period is ageless.

Consequently I wish this journal all possible prosperity and success, but feel bound to conclude with the admonition repeatedly spoken by the worldwise Madame Mere when she felt her exuberant Bonaparte off-spring were stretching the limits of credibility a trifle:

'So long as it lasts!'