Synopses & Reviews
Based on the true story of Jacques Coeur, The Dream Maker is the story of a Steve Jobs of the Middle Ages. Coeur was the King of Frances visionary First Banker who, with his tours of the Far East, his public criticism of the Crusades, and his efforts to develop trade and an operable financial system, contributed to bringing France out of darkness and toward the Renaissance and modernity. An adventure novel, a novel of ideas, and a moving love story.
Review
“Jean-Christophe Rufin has re-established his eloquence and spirit, that of the great novelist of the people, which…enchants his readers. His new novel is both a chivalric odyssey and a brilliant reflection on power.”— Lire
“The Dream Maker blends with skill and efficiency politics, business, travel and love. All of this written in a classic, elegant prose, of which Jean-Christophe Rufin has long had a command.”— Le JDD
Synopsis
After a brilliant career as a trader, Jacques Coeur was summoned to the court of Charles VII and appointed Master of the Mint in 1436. He rose to become the King of France's visionary First Banker who, with his tours of the Far East, his opposition to the crusades, and his efforts to develop trade, brought France out of the darkness toward the Renaissance and modernity. At the height of his success, his ill-considered infatuation with Agnes Sorel, King Charles VII's favorite mistress, precipitated Coeur's fall from grace.
In Rufin's delectable prose this true story becomes a gripping tale of adventure, a novel of ideas, and a moving love story.
About the Author
Rufin is a founder of Doctors without Borders, former president of the organization Action Against Hunger. a former ambassador, winner of the Goncourt prize for The Abyssinian (W.W. Norton 2000), and the author of numerous bestsellers.