French 1804 illustration of Napoleon's invasion of England by Channel tunnel and balloons

What are Napoleonic plans? Take, for instance, this illustration of Napoleon's forthcoming conquest of England, from the French press of 1804. The victorious invasion was to proceed beneath the earth and above the water: troops and guns cross through a tunnel under the Channel, accompanied by an attack from balloons. Naturally, the island is guarded by marksmen flying on something like kites. As to how fantastic the drawing really is, judge for yourself: the first real and technically grounded project for a tunnel under the Channel appeared in 1802, while a balloon with a crew of two first crossed the strait as early as 1760

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

In the finale of the Strugatskys' Roadside Picnic, the Golden Ball is told: "Happiness for everybody, free, and let nobody go away unsatisfied!" I do not promise to offend nobody, but the digest really does come free of charge. So, here is the main business of the

Frederic Leighton

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French 1804 illustration of Napoleon's invasion of England by Channel tunnel and balloons

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

Frederic Leighton

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