Publisher's Synopsis
The uniforms and insignia of the prestigious elite soldiers who guarded Bonaparte himself. The guide and guard units, formed out of the necessities of war and in close contact with the general staff as escorts, guards and messengers quickly became an object of attention for the generals, as they were emblematic of the military prestige of their leaders and represented a veritable praetorian guard. The highest in perfection were those surrounding Bonaparte, with Bessires at the head, one of the core components of the future Imperial Guard.
