In a masterful dual narrative that pits the heights of human ambition and achievement against the supremacy of nature, New York Times bestselling author Stephan Talty tells the story of a mighty ruler and a tiny microbe, antagonists whose struggle would shape the modern world.
In the spring of 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte was at the height of his powers. Forty-five million called him emperor, and he commanded a nation that was the richest, most cultured, and advanced on earth. No army could stand against his impeccably trained, brilliantly led forces, and his continued sweep across Europe seemed inevitable. Early that year, bolstered by his successes, Napoleon turned his attentions toward Moscow, helming the largest invasion in human history. Surely, Tsar Alexander’s outnumbered troops would crumble against this mighty force.
But another powerful and ancient enemy awaited Napoleon’s men in the Russian steppes. Virulent and swift, this microscopic foe would bring the emperor to his knees.
William Rosen, author of Justinian's Flea: The First Great Plague and the End of the Roman Empire...
"An eloquent and vivid portrait that includes a view through the telescopes of rear-echelon commanders, the rifle sights of front-line skirmishers, and the clouded spectacles of field surgeons laboring in candlelit abattoirs . . . the finest kind of popular history."
The New York Times Book Review...
Praise for Empire of Blue Water "A swashbuckling adventure . . . [the] characters leap to life."
Caroline Alexander, author of The Endurance...
"Reeking of authentic blood and thunder, and as richly detailed as a work of fiction . . . dramatically evokes the rough and tumble age when pirates owned the seas. A thrilling and fascinating adventure."
Entertainment Weekly...
"Stephan Talty's vigorous history of seventeenth-century pirates of the Caribbean will sate even fickle Jack Sparrow fans. A pleasure to read from bow to stern."
Tom Reiss, author of The Orientalist...
"Serves up swashbuckling history at its briny, blood-soaked best, with enough violence and passion to keep the pages flying by."
Dallas Morning News...
"Talty's delicious new book succeeds where other volumes of history fail. . . .A ripping yarn, worthy of its gaudy subject."
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