This is a reconstruction of Napoleon's 100 days between his escape from Elba and his final banishment to St Helena. All the elements of this period are recaptured: Napoleon's march through France, his ranks of loyal followers swelled every step along the way; the flight of Louis XVIII and the restored Bourbon monarchy; the fresh outbreak of the European war which culminated in the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's final defeat at the hands of Wellington and Blucher. Making extensive reference to Napoleon's earlier successes and failures - so many of which seemed to be relived in these brief 100 days - this is a study of Napoleon in victory and defeat.