The book, casually tossed on the floor, is actually a copy of Plutarch's Lives. This classical book contains biographies of powerful generals such as Julius Caesar and Hannibal. By including it in the painting, David is telling us that Napoleon is continuing their tradition of military greatness. In fact, by placing the book at Napoleon's feet, the artist is hinting that his boss, the emperor, is even more important and more powerful than those other leaders were in their day.