The extraordinary charm, sensuality, and natural cunning of Josephine helped her become mistress to some of the most powerful politicians in post-Revolutionary France and eventually to reign over an empire as wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. He dominated on the battlefield and she presided over the worlds of fashion and glamour. But Josephine was secretly in love with another, and unable to produce an heir, the ruthless Bonaparte divorced her. Believing herself fated to bring about his downfall, Josephine followed him to Russia on his last great campaign and, through her enduring influence on him, helped to destroy his ambitions—and to create her own romantic fulfillment with the man she truly loved.

Distinguished historian Carolly Erickson is the author of The Last Wife of Henry VIII and The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette (both of which are available from Sound Library®), The First Elizabeth, Great Catherine, Alexandra, and several other prize-winning biographies. She lives in Hawaii.