the start of the book, the author introduces the context of Napoléon's reign and his relentless pursuit of peace and power in Europe. The narrative dives into the complexities of the Franco-Russian relationship post-Austerlitz, highlighting Napoléon's strategies to consolidate his power by courting Russia as an ally. The opening portion details how historical tensions and shared ambitions between both empires emerged from mutual interests and the shifting alliances in Eastern Europe, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of their fateful alliance and eventual rivalry. Through a detailed examination of key events and political dynamics, Vandal illustrates the intricate web of diplomacy, military conflict, and personal ambition that characterized this pivotal period in history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)