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