There is no doubt that Napoleon Bonaparte has attracted legions of biographers over the last two centuries, documenting his endlessly fascinating life, associated with some of the most important and controversial events in history.

A military general who became France's first emperor, Napoleon's single-minded determination for military expansion would change the world completely and revolutionize military training and organization. As such, Napoleon is considered one of the greatest military leaders the world has ever known.

This biography considers a military commander whose military endeavors and sheer personality dominated Europe for over a decade.