This is just a general comment. I have not yet read the book so it is very probable that I am covering your ground. Since, however I am currently reading the London Press for that period, this may be of interest. The Egypt expedition signifies a switching of venue for the strategic struggle between France and Britain. A French occupation of Egypt would have been very dangerous to British India, as all knew. The case of Malta was particularly interesting since it was over Malta that the Peace of Amiens was ended: Malta was a key to Egypt. And in the end the struggle recommenced over it. This led, in my view, to Bonaparte's strategic decision to give up the unequal struggle in north America, aim at building good relations with the US, understanding that Britain could not in the long run compete with America in the western hemisphere. And, thus, the cession of Louisiana under the generous terms of the Purchase. In other words the Egyptian campaign, and its implied challenge to India, led to the transformation of the USA. Forgive me if this is old ground for you.