The romance between Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoléon Bonaparte is one of the most dramatic in history, but the crucial role this beautiful, iintelligent woman played in their partnership has never been completely cknowledged. In this psirited biography, rich in detail and anecdote, Eleanor DeLorme brings the exotic empress to life, revealing how greatly Napoléon confided in "his incomparable Joséphine" and depended on her sense of style to set the tone of his empire. An important patron of the arts, Joséphine collected works of the highest quality, and her exquisite and extravagant taste was admired and adopted all over the Empire. Along wit hportraits of the empress, her family, and numerous dignitaries, this elegant book containss many period images of significant events in Joséphine's life. Based on a close study of the couple's letters, the memoirs of Joséphine's two children, and other primary sources, DeLorme's delightful text describes all the amazing facets of this fascinating figure.

ELEANOR P. DELORME teaches the arts of France at Wellesley College. BERNARD CHEVALLIER is chief curator of the Musee National des Chateaux de Malmaison (Joséphine's coutnry home), and the author of numerous articles and a book.