Adolphe Thiers's tenth volume picks up the story of Napoleon's empire at a critical turning point. The year is 1809, and the shine is coming off the imperial project. Napoleon is still winning battles, like the brutal conflict at Wagram, but the costs are mounting.

The Story

This book covers Napoleon's war with a resurgent Austria, a conflict that shows his military genius but also the growing exhaustion of France. At the same time, the rebellion in Spain is a constant, draining sore. Back home, Napoleon's clash with Pope Pius VII over who controls the Church in France creates a huge public relations disaster. Thiers weaves these military and political threads together, painting a picture of an emperor who is overextended, fighting on multiple fronts, and facing problems that can't be solved by a cavalry charge.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this volume so compelling is watching the dominoes get set up. You see the flawless commander of earlier years now making compromises, dealing with stubborn allies (his own brothers!), and managing public opinion. Thiers, writing with access to people who were there, makes you feel the tension. You're not just reading about policy; you're seeing a man trying to hold a continent together with sheer will, and that will is being tested like never before.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who want to move beyond the simple rise-and-fall narrative and get into the gritty details of how an empire begins to unravel. It's also great for anyone who loves political drama, because the conflict with the Pope is absolutely gripping. Fair warning: this is one piece of a massive 20-volume work, so it's a deep dive, not a casual swim. But for understanding the beginning of the end for Napoleon, it's fascinating.