This biography investigates the life and political influence of Empress Josephine, examining how her origins in Martinique shaped her trajectory as the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Ernest John Knapton utilizes historical records to reconstruct the personal and public life of Josephine, arguing that her role was more significant to the Napoleonic era than traditional accounts often suggest. The text provides a detailed examination of her social navigation, her marriage to Napoleon, and the eventual dissolution of their union.

Historians and readers frequently cite this work as a balanced and well-researched account of Josephine's life. It is often regarded as a standard biographical reference for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of her influence on the French court.