Book One, Chapter I — Summary

In July 1805, Anna Pavlovna Schérer, maid of honor to the Dowager Empress, hosts a small reception in her St. Petersburg salon. She greets Prince Vassíli Kurágin and immediately launches into a passionate critique of Napoleon, calling him “the Antichrist” and insisting that only Russia and Emperor Alexander can save Europe from his threat.

Anna expresses her distrust of Austria, England, and Prussia, emphasizing Russia’s divine duty. Prince Vassíli responds calmly and diplomatically, polite but slightly ironic.

Anna also mentions that two important guests, the Vicomte de Mortemart (a French émigré) and Abbé Morio (a thinker who has met the Emperor), will join the gathering later.

This chapter introduces the  ...