This book by the famous French historian, member of the French Academy Count Albert Vandal (1853–1910) is a political-historical study, the task of which is to show how Bonaparte seized power in France after the revolution of 1792 and how, liberating French from the tyranny of the Jacobins and not yet oppressing them with the full weight of his own despotism, he laid the first foundations of reconciliation and restoration of the nation. He did not rise to this height immediately or suddenly: it was a gradual ascent, the stages of which are the return from Egypt, the days of Brumaire, expansion consular powers and Marengo. Bonaparte at the time of the landing near Frejus is still only an outstanding commander, bringing to the French hope for the revival of the republic and a victorious peace. After Brumaire, he is only one of three consuls temporarily governing the country. On the eve of Marengo, he is only the first civil rank and representative of civil power in France, very concerned about the observance of constitutional and republican forms. The day after the battle of Marengo, he is the master of France, from that moment on he really can do everything and knows how to do everything.