It is 1806 and Napoleon is master of an empire covering half of Europe. He subdues kings, conquers woman and defies the Pope himself over the Continental Blockade. Shifting between the battlefield and the bedroom, this book follows every step of Napoleon's relentless pursuit of power.

Tracing the first 30 years of the Little Emperor's life, Max Gallo subtly introduces one of the greatest characters from European history. The text also dramatises Napoleon's rise as ambitious soldier, as well as his infatuation with the beguiling Josephine.