In August 1805, Napoleon abandoned his plans for the invasion of Britain and diverted his army to the Danube valley to confront Austrian and Russian forces in a bid for control of central Europe. The campaign culminated with the Battle of Austerlitz, regarded by many as Napoleon's greatest triumph, whose far-reaching effects paved the way for French hegemony on the Continent for the next decade. To understand what happened and why – read Battle Story. Detailed profiles explore the leaders, tactics and weaponry of the French, Austrian and Russian forces which clashed at Austerlitz. Maps examine the positions of the opposing forces at critical points in the action. Contemporary images place the reader at the forefront of the unfolding action. Orders of battle show the composition of the opposing forces' armies. Packed with fact boxes, this short introduction is the perfect way to explore this important battle.