CHEESE EPOISSES DE BOURGOGNE, BLOOD AND ICE – Tastes of the glory, the times of Napoleon

The Epoisses de Bourgogne cheese was “overwhelming” that appealed to Napoleon, the man who asked God to give strength to his enemies, causing them to live long, so that they could witness his triumph. He, the man had no friends – he had only his fortune – he boasted of being able to train men to sacrifice their lives for a ribbon. The Napoleonic wars, left Europe bloodless of men and resources, but the Napoleonic army was extraordinarily great, not only from a military point of view, but also in having been able to organize an effective military health system by flying ambulances, introducing the possibility to involve health care on the battlefield (something hitherto not permitted by the regulations).

Napoleon Bonaparte loved that cheese by lactic accentuated taste (slightly acidic), combining the Chambertin wine. Today, only one farm produces this culinary wonder, with 16-hour clotting times. That classic of French cow’s milk cheese (with washed rind, creamy, flavor that becomes overwhelming if mature), he had – and still has – a cylindrical shape, smooth or wrinkled crust and changing color from ivory to orange. The man born in Corsica and become Emperor of the French, besides the passion for the cheese, it was convinced that there were only two ways to move the men: interest and fear.

The Battle of Marengo – Olivier Lapray

This great victory, leads to the French occupation of Lombardy, and above all reinforces the authority of Napoleon in France. On 14 June 1800 (during the second Italian campaign), Bonaparte narrowly won the battle of Marengo (Piedmont). This famous battle opposed 28,000 French soldiers against 31,000 Austrian soldiers under the command of General Mélas. At first dominated, the French had to retreat nearly seven miles back. Mélas believing that victory was assured left the command to a subordinate and returned to Alessandria. The adversary’s delay thus allowed Napoleon to concentrate his forces, especially the corps of General Desaix, which would arrive as reinforcement. Around 5:00 in the afternoon, the violent French counterattack forced the Austrians to retreat, claiming the lives of Desaix, undoubtedly the hero of the day. https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Marengo-Victory-Century-Napoleonic/dp/2352503264

THE JENA CAMPAIGN: 1806 – F. N. Maude

A classic analysis of one of Napoleon’s great campaigns in Europe. Maude’s Jena Campaign examines the famous twin battles of Jena and Auerstadt (from the perspectives of both protagonists), and explains thoroughly how the French army comprehensively beat the Prussians to effectively neutralise them as an enemy with an Allied coalition. This campaign, fought when the Emperor’s star shone brightest, demonstrates a genius for warfare that has seldom appeared on the stage of history-before or since. https://www.amazon.com/Jena-Campaign-1806-Auerstadt-Napoleons/dp/1846772354/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478705450&sr=1-2&keywords=Battle+of+Jena

To pursue this issue, you can also read

http://meetingbenches.com/2016/11/horizons-glory-images-napoleonic-epic/

http://meetingbenches.com/2016/11/reading-novels-napoleonic-era/

http://meetingbenches.com/2016/11/little-stories-great-flavors-enjoy-pages-history-savoring-taste-glory/