One year ago we started Napoleon magazine with the hope that it would become a respected forum for scholars, buffs, and casual readers who share an interest in one of the Great Captains of history -- Napoleon Bonaparte -- and his incredible era. The response has been far beyond our modest expectations. Starting with 5,500 copies of issue #1, 20,000 copies of this issue are being sent to subscribers and newsstands around the world.

Apparently there are a great number of people fascinated with the Age of Napoleon. And our unique presentahon of extensive, original and historical visual materials combined with new appraisals using archival information, has generated devoted readers. We thank you and promise to continue producing the magazine with the same passion and variety as were apparent in the first six issues in 1996.

Regular readers will note that this is only our third editorial. As emphasized in issue #1, unless we have something important to say, this space will be taken by more interesting features. However, certain questions received deserve responses as we start our second year.

Napoleon magazine will not be devoted strictly to the military aspects of this period. It is our plan to continue offering exceptional articles on battles, campaigns, uniforms, etc. However, we will also continue to present non-military subjects such as the three-part series on women's fashion in issues #4-6, interviews with scholars and authors (see this issue), examinations of the myths and legend of Napoleon (see issue #5), plus reports on conferences and events, travel, collectables, etc.

While we will remain a dependable source of information on the military history from 1792-1815, we also, as noted by our Managing Editor Matt DeLaMater in issue #2, do not want to fall into a pattern of predictability. There is certainly room for every interest.

The second most commented upon element of the magazine was the reprinting of chapters from current or soon to be released books. We did this with five features in 1996 and intend to continue this policy. Some readers disliked the reprints. However, the vast majority felt otherwise. Favorable observations included that it was possible to "sample" a book this way; readers discovered titles that may have been overlooked or which had not received the attention they deserve.

Of equal importance was the magazine's additional visual material not found in the original book. New maps, dioramas, and original artwork served to enhance the work of today's leading Napoleonic authors.

There is also a more compelling reason for publishing reprints, particularly previews of upcoming books. Original research requires years of effort. Doing this much work for only a short article to appear in a magazine isn't practical. Most people involved at this level of study intend to publish their findings in book form, which is obviously the most rewarding.

Previews in Napoleon magazine are an opportunity to read in advance some of the most interesting and exciting discoveries in the field of Napoleonic history.

Special Announcement

Regarding developments for the magazine, we have a special announcement. Keith Rocco, America's leading Napoleonic artist, also recognized as one of the top contemporary Civil War artists, has agreed to regularly provide new, original paintings for our covers and feature articles. Examples include pages 4-5 of this issue (repeated on the cover), and two additional uniform studies (pages 17 and 24) created specifically for the Hougoumont essay. We feel priveleged to acquire this exclusive commitment by a very talented professional and are eager to share with you Rocco's future masterworks.

Finally, we have a request of you, our readers. The most effective advertising is word of mouth: one person telling another about something worthwhile. There are thousands of Napoleonic enthusiasts who are not yet aware that Napoleon magazine exists. It is simply not possible for our small staff to reach everyone or every place that might be interested in this labor of love. You can help by requesting that it be carried by your favorite book store, local or school library, or simply tell a friend who shares your fascination for this epoch of revolution, glory, and great adventure.

Attention Overseas Subscribers