The first attempt to unify and civilize Europe by the Romans ended in failure one and a half thousand years ago. The third attempt was a success: in our lifetime, Europe has finally united, erasing borders and introducing a single currency standard. But there was a second attempt. After which a single system of weights and measures reigned throughout Europe, and social life, the political map and the state of minds of Europeans underwent such changes after which there was no return to the past. And all this is thanks to the genius of Napoleon. Alexander Nikonov’s Napoleon is not a “usurper”, not a “Corsican monster”, not an “Antichrist” and “adversary”, but the most effective manager of all times, whose main goal was the development of national business. Peace was all Napoleon needed. That’s why he fought all the time... An exciting book, based on reliable documentary evidence, written, one might say, passionately - its main character is so close and dear to the author: after all, Napoleon’s contribution to world civilization (and this is Nikonov’s main theme!) is invaluable. Herzen wrote about Napoleon’s victors at Waterloo: “They turned history from the high road to the very nave into the mud, and into such mud from which it would not be pulled out in half a century...” If Napoleon’s victors dragged Europe into the mud, then where was Napoleon leading it? Alexander Nikonov continues to destroy myths...