A Conspiracy of the Carbonari

'A Conspiracy of the Carbonari' is a novel written by L. Mühlbach. The story begins with the battle of Aspern or Esslingen which was Napoleon's first defeat after 10 years of victories. The fighting between France and Austria was characterized by intense animosity, with both sides determined to conquer or die. The Austrians were seeking to avenge their loss at Austerlitz while France aimed to maintain its reputation. If the French were defeated, it would mean the end of Napoleon's good fortune and the loss of faith in the invincibility of the French army.