The British Academy invites leading academics to contribute to their 10-Minute Talk series. For his 10 Minutes, Dr David McCallam (Reader in French Studies) investigates the strange twists and tales around the battle of Trafalgar.
From a fake news report claiming French victory to fictional memoirs and literary retellings, the battle of Trafalgar’s legacy in France became shrouded in myth in the course of the nineteenth century, particularly around the identity of the man who shot Nelson.
In this 10-Minute Talk, Dr David McCallam recounts how the French responded to the crushing defeat in 1805 with satire and storytelling, offering a fascinating alternative perspective on a well-rehearsed historical event.
If you enjoyed David's talk, check out his short video on yet another British icon: Languages in the world of James Bond. The creative subtitles were provided by Sheffield graduate (BA, MA) Beth Evans via her start-up Subtxt.