Napoleon's Heart

Napoleon’s hidden path features women, including wives, mistresses, and lovers, who shaped his life and politics, revealing a passionate, ambitious emperor through romance, intrigue, and historical legacy.

Along the sensational path that Napoleon carved for himself through history runs another, more hidden trail. Upon it stand the women who accompanied the emperor for part of the way, on the margins of his extraordinary life.

Most legendary is Joséphine de Beauharnais, his first wife and the love of his life. But Empress Joséphine had to make way for Napoleon’s political marriage to Marie-Louise of Austria, who bore him an heir to the throne. In addition, Napoleon had countless mistresses and fathered several illegitimate children. Not infrequently, his sexual escapades carried a political undertone.

All of these women were, in their own way, of exceptional importance. They helped shape the grand narrative. Thus, the saga of Napoleon is also one of princesses and maîtresses, of emotions and desires—matters of the heart. Although in his heart there was often more room for grand ideals and political ambitions. Did Napoleon truly have a heart?

In his inimitable style, master storyteller and eminent Napoleon expert Johan Op de Beeck lays bare the extravagant love life of the French emperor. This gripping story, steeped in turbulent passion and political intrigue, offers an illuminating portrait of Napoleon, one of history’s most important figures.