The Pug Who Bit Napoleon: A Tale of Bravery and Mischief

When one thinks of historic figures, one often imagines them surrounded by grandeur, power, and individuals who matched their status. However, there exists a curious tale from the annals of history where a tiny pug named Max made quite an impact on the infamous French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Royal Pug's Humble Beginnings

Max, a pug bred in the English court, found his way into the heart of the French Emperor during his Egyptian campaign. The French army had defeated the Mamluk cavalry during the Battle of the Pyramids, and amidst the spoils of war, was this adorable little pug. Napoleon, known for his admiration of fine dogs, immediately took a liking to Max, who possessed a mischievous spirit and undeniable charm.

From then on, Max accompanied Napoleon on his campaigns, which took the Emperor across vast regions of Europe and into some of the most important battles in history.

The Pug Who Bit Napoleon: Animal Tales of the 18th & 19th Centuries

by Mimi Matthews(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31495 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.61 x 0.28 x 9.69 inches

FREE

A Mischief Maker

The mischievous nature of Max soon became apparent, despite his small stature. Napoleon himself would later refer to Max as "the real ruler of France." The pug was fond of indulging in playful antics, often causing chaos among the generals and officers who surrounded the Emperor.

One particularly memorable incident occurred during the Battle of Austerlitz. As Napoleon was strategizing with his commanders in a makeshift war room, Max, sensing the tension in the room, decided to lighten the mood. He leaped onto the table, snatched a map, and began prancing around the room, causing laughter to erupt from the battle-hardened soldiers present. This unexpected interruption brought a moment of respite and camaraderie among the tired and stressed individuals.

A Bit of Bravery

Max's most famous moment came during the Battle of Marengo, where Napoleon faced a critical situation that seemed almost impossible to overcome. The odds were against the French forces, and the battle hung in a delicate balance. Sensing the tension and desperation of his beloved Emperor, Max darted through the chaos and delivered a timely warning. He bit Napoleon's leg and roused him from deep contemplation.

This interruption snapped Napoleon back to reality, enabling him to react swiftly and change the course of the battle. The French forces triumphed, and Napoleon often credited his loyal pug for that crucial moment of awareness.

The End of an Era

Max's life eventually came to an end during Napoleon's exile in Saint Helena. The Emperor, far from home, yearned for the companionship of his loyal pug. However, it wasn't meant to be. Max passed away, leaving a void in Napoleon's life.

The pug who had bitten Napoleon became a symbol of loyalty, mischief, and bravery. Max's story has been immortalized in numerous books, paintings, and even statues in his honor. His legacy as Napoleon's trusted companion serves as a testament to the bond between humans and animals, as well as the profound impact they can have on history.

The tale of Max, the pug who bit Napoleon, is a captivating story filled with adventure, mischief, and loyalty. It reminds us that even in the most extraordinary circumstances, it is often the smallest and seemingly insignificant moments that can shape history. Max's spirited nature and fearless actions left an indelible mark on the legendary French Emperor, forever etching his name in the chronicles of history.

The Pug Who Bit Napoleon: Animal Tales of the 18th & 19th Centuries

by Mimi Matthews(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31495 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.61 x 0.28 x 9.69 inches

FREE

From elaborate Victorian cat funerals to a Regency era pony who took a ride in a hot air balloon, Mimi Matthews shares some of the quirkiest—and most poignant—animal tales of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Meet Fortune, the Pug who bit Napoleon on his wedding night, and Looty, the Pekingese sleeve dog who was presented to Queen Victoria after the 1860 sacking of the Summer Palace in Peking. The four-legged friends of Lord Byron, Emily Brontë, and Prince Albert also make an appearance, as do the treasured pets of Alexander Pope, Samuel Johnson, and Charles Dickens.

Less famous, but no less fascinating, are the animals that were the subject of historical lawsuits, scandals, and public curiosity. There's Tuppy, the purloined pet donkey; Biddy, the regimental chicken; and Barnaby and Burgho, the bloodhounds hired to hunt Jack the Ripper. Wild animals also get a mention in tales that encompass everything from field mice and foxes to alligators and sharks lurking in the Thames.

Using research from eighteenth and nineteenth century books, letters, and newspapers, Mimi Matthews brings each animal's unique history to vivid life. The details are sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, but the stories are never anything less than fascinating reading for animal lovers of all ages.