An engaging biography of Napoleon Bonaparte--one of the most brilliant and reckless generals in history--who declared himself emperor of France in 1804, conquered lands from Portugal to Poland, made kings and queens of his family members, and nearly brought all of Europe to its knees.

"Egotist" -- cover.

A taste for power -- Born to fight -- Going French -- Revolution! -- In command -- Success in Paris -- General Bonaparte. -- The war in Italy -- Into Egypt -- Seizing power -- Enforcing the peace -- Remaking France -- Emperor Napoleon. -- Better than king -- Unlimited power -- The continental system -- The Spanish ulcer -- Domestic affairs -- Disaster on the battlefield -- Waterloo.