Napoleon: The Spirit of the Age: 1805-1810

The second volume in this dynamic three-part life of Napoleon covering the tumultuous years of 1805 to 1810marking the zenith of Napoleons power and military might across Europe. The second volume of Michael Broers three volume life of Napoleon covering the tumultuous years 1805 to 1810 a period which marks the zenith of Napoleons power and military success. Like volume one it is based on the new version of Napoleons correspondence made available by the Fondation Napolon in Paris. It is the story of Napoleons conquest of Europeand that of his magnificent Grande Arme as they sweep through the length and breadth of Europe. Spirit of the Age opens with Napoleons as yet untested army making its way through the Bavarian Alps in the early winter of 1805 to fall upon the unsuspecting Austrians and Russians and crushing them at Austerlitz. This was only the beginning of series of spectacular victories: over the Prussians in 1806 and then the Russians which brought the Tsar to defeat in 1807. It follows the army into Spain in 1808 most ill-considered step in his career as ruler and then through the most daunting triumph of all the final defeat of Austria at Wagram in 1809 the bloodiest battle in European history up to that time. These five years encompass the dramas of Napoleons separation from Josephine amid the turmoil of ruling a pan-European empire. These years also saw Napoleon navigate plots against him his clash with the Pope and excommunication and his loss of trust in many of those closest to him. It closes with his marriage to Marie-Louise the daughter of his defeated enemy the Emperor of Austria. With the greatest "trophy bride in history on his arm Napoleon now turns again to face his only remaining enemy Britain and the challenge of ruling an empire that now spans the entirety of Europe. 16 pages of color and B&W illustrations