Prince Louis Napoleon was born with a compelling sense of destiny. The eldest nephew of Bonaparte, he came from exile and ignominy to rule France, first as President then as Emperor for 22 years, from 1848 to 1870. Under his benevolent dictatorship, the nation grew in artistic fulfilment, industrial wealth and international influence - until catastrophic defeat at the hands of Bismarck in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 cast her back into the shadows.

The Court in Vienna under Emperor Francis Joseph was not only Europe's most illustrious and refined, it was also a huge economic enterprise, serving as both home and workplace for just under 2,000 people. The author reveals multitudinous facets of Emperor Francis Joseph's court and displays them in highly entertaining fashion, the court truly comes alive again. She takes the reader through a typical day in the life of the emperor, from his early morning toilette to the evening ceremonies; she tells tales of glittering ceremonies, receptions and audiences; she provides insights into the private and the family life of the emperor.