Most people will have heard of Napoleon Bonaparte - Emperor of France and one history's most famous Great Men. Much less famous is the life of his only son and heir, Napoleon François Joseph Charles Bonaparte; Napoleon II.

Nicknamed 'L'Aiglon' ('The Eaglet'), Napoleon II's story is punctuated by its briefness. Reminiscent of Phaeton, son of Helios, who was burned entering the atmosphere in his father's chariot - Napoleon II was scorched by the consequences of his father's glory. Isolated and concealed within the walls of Austrian palaces, protected from both personal and political assassinations, and forbidden from satiating his grand military ambitions with a rapidly failing body. To quote his physician, 'an iron spirit in a body of crystal'.

For two die-hard Napoleon nerds, this was a true test of self-control. We dash through the highlights of the father's life, discuss the socio-political climate in Europe, and get onto the story of the titular character himself. We also embark on multiple tangent throughout, as well as a historiographically-minded attempt at some alternate history. Could have the Bonapartes been the new Habsburgs? (Apologies Sami; he'll hate that point)