We pick up the story in the aftermath of one of Napoleon's last great victories at Wagram in 1809. The guns have fallen silent, but the real work is just beginning. This volume follows Napoleon as he transitions from conqueror to administrator of a sprawling empire. He's securing his dynasty by marrying Marie-Louise of Austria, integrating new territories, and trying to enforce his Continental System—a blockade meant to cripple Britain. But everywhere he turns, there's resistance: from the Pope he imprisons, from the Spanish guerrillas who won't quit, and from the sheer, exhausting scale of it all. It's the story of an empire at its peak, yet already showing the signs of the strain that will eventually bring it down.

Why You Should Read It

Thiers makes this feel immediate. He had access to people who lived through these events, and it shows. You're not just getting dates and decrees; you get a sense of the immense pressure Napoleon was under. You see his political brilliance in the marriage alliance, but also his stubbornness in the feud with the Pope. It paints a complete picture of a man trying to control every aspect of Europe, from grand strategy down to local administration. The tension is palpable—you know the fall is coming, so watching him try to cement his legacy is utterly gripping.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who want to move beyond the big battles and understand the gritty work of empire-building. It's also great for anyone who loves political drama, because that's what this is. The prose is clear and direct, making a complex period accessible. If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to run a continent, this is your backstage pass. Just be warned: it's part of a 20-volume set, so you might get hooked!