Napoleon

Napoleon traces the Corsican artillery officer whose military and political career transformed revolutionary France into a European empire. It follows his rise through the Italian and Egyptian campaigns, seizure of power in 1799 and consolidation of authority as first consul and emperor.

The biography examines the Napoleonic Code, administrative reform, propaganda and the wars that extended French influence across the continent. It concludes with the disasters in Spain and Russia, abdication, return during the Hundred Days and final defeat at Waterloo, balancing military achievement against authoritarian rule and immense human cost.