Chandler brings this singular life into focus, with special sections on the five most pivotal battles in Napoleon's career. From the Siege of Toulon, which made the young captain a national hero - and a brigadier general - to Waterloo, whose name became synonymous with utter defeat. A look at the application of tactics that Napoleon did not invent, but did perfect.

List of maps : Toulon: September 7-December 19, 1793 ; Norther Italy ; Piedmont ; Alvintzi's second advance at Rivoli ; Arcola : November 15-17 1796 ; Marengo ; Ulm ; Jena ; Eylau ; Eylau ; Friedland ; Austerlitz : December 2, 1805 ; Wagram ; Borodino ; Borodino : 7:30 a.m., september 7, 1812 ; Germany and France ; Leipzig ; Waterloo ; Waterloo : 11:30 a.m., June 18, 1815.

The early years : the Siege of Toulon, September 7-December 19, 1793 -- The General in Italy and Egypt : the Battle of Arcola, November 15-17, 1796 -- Empire : The Battle of Austerlitz, December 2, 1805 -- The instruments of power : the Marshalate -- the Cavalry -- the Infantry -- the Artillery -- Constructive achievements -- Decline : The Battle of Borodino, September 7, 1812 -- Defeat : The Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815 -- Napoleon's legacy.