The fundamental work of the famous Russian historian, Professor Nikolai Alekseevich Troitsky (1931 - 2014) is presented to the attention of readers. The book was the result of his many years of research on the Napoleonic theme and the history of Russian-French relations. This is not just a biography of an outstanding statesman, but also a valuable historiographical source, reflecting an important milestone in the history of the study of Napoleonic issues in Russia. The work of N. A. Troitsky is extremely polemical. He deliberately highlights the most pressing issues, as if pushing his opponents to discussion. The first volume (“Citizen Bonaparte”) covers the time from the birth of Napoleon to his accession to the imperial throne. The book is intended for researchers, graduate and university students and anyone interested in Napoleonic issues.