Napoleon – arguably more than any other single man – was the creator of modern total war; and in this book, originally published in 1962, he is seen creating one important side of it – that which concerns prisoners of war. In sheer numbers, the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy and the Army were the principal victims. In one respect the book is a study in naval, maritime and military history, but its scope is wider than this: Michael Lewis discusses both principles and people as he examines the conventions of ‘exchange’ and ‘parole’ shattered by Napoleon. The conditions of capture and captivity are discussed, as well as escapes from prisons and camps.