It is 1812 when Napoleon enters Russia at the head of 500,000 men. His aim: to bring the Tsar of Russia to his knees. But nothing goes according to plan. An ocean of fire destroys Moscow. A chaos of ice and snow engulfs the Grand Army. For the first time, the Eagle bows its head.

From now on, conquered Europe awakes and takes its revenge. The powerful betray him, his Old Guard weep at Fontainebleau. Does Napoleon's return from the isle of Elba herald a new 'song of departure'? The final act is nigh. But the sun of Austerlitz will not rise over the muddy plain of Waterloo.

In this hugely entertaining mix of history and creativity, Max Gallo brilliantly recreates the French Emperor's fall from power and the final years of his life.