Of course, one part of publishing that the British government refused to censor, even though Bonaparte demanded it in 1802-1803, was the many satirical cartoons that featured him as the subject, some of which are just marvelous. The art of political cartooning was highly advanced in Britain at this time and the cartoonists were not above taking shots at the monarchy and certainly the government was fair game.

That Bonaparte actually believe that such an activity could be policed or censored by authority is perhaps a true reflection of his opinion on the freedom of the press.

Come to think of it, are there not demands today about publishing cartoons featuring the Prophet as a subject? Yet again, it appears, the man was ahead of his time.

dg