In 1812 Napoleon reigned supreme over Europe. On the continent, only Russia resisted him. On June 24, 1812, he crossed the Niemen into Russia with 400,000 men. In December the tattered, frozen remnants of the Grande Armée returned. They numbered 40,000. A dramatic and gripping narrative of the Russian campaign - Napoleon's first major mistake and the watershed of his power.

Dresden -- The undeclared war -- Vilna and Drissa -- Phantom of victory -- The two cities -- The homecoming of Colonel Davidov -- 'The most terrible of all my battles' -- Fili -- The flames of Moscow -- Two candles by the window -- Maloyaroslavets -- The winter trail -- Krasnoe and the Berezina -- 'His Majesty's health has never been better' -- Laurels and legends.