Napoleon is thirty years old in November 1799, and about to lead France into a new century as First Consul. At Notre Dame in five years, he will be crowned Emperor of France, and Josephine his Empress.

In this brilliant combination of history and imagination, Max Gallo takes us from the first day after Napoleon's successful coup through to the thrilling height of his empire. From the introduction of the new constitution and France's fragile peace with its neighbours, to Napoleon's determination to bring Britain to its knees, we follow five years of the Little Corporal's life, ending with his victory on the battlefield at Austerlitz.