This retelling of the 1814 campaign is,as with the author's other campain histories, clear, concise, and objective. This is primarily a military history, not politcal, although F. Loraine Petre does introduce the reader to the background and prospects for French fortunes in 1814. The text describes the campaign, where Napoleon, arguably past his prime--yet still the master versus his opponents, attempts to deal with and turn the tide against the formidable allied coalition ranged against him.