The book
“A fascinating novel with themes similar to Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.”
—Historical Novels Review
The French monarchy during an epoch of upheaval is brought brilliantly to life in this novel by Goncourt Prize-winning author, Jean-Christophe Rufin. Based on the true story of the modern world’s first “man of finance,” The Dream Maker recounts the life and times of Jacques Cœur, innovator, explorer, visionary, banker and merchant extraordinaire. Born to a modest fur trader, Cœur rose to become the French King’s trusted First Banker. His tours of the Far East, his criticism of the Crusades, and his efforts to develop trade routes contributed to bringing France out of darkness toward the Renaissance and modernity. Cœur was, at one time, the wealthiest man in France, but at the height of his success, disgrace and imprisonment at the hands of his enemies threatened. His ill-considered infatuation with Agnès Sorel, King Charles VII’s favorite mistress, and her mysterious and premature death, ultimately gave his detractors all they needed to bring him down.
In Rufin’s delicious prose this remarkable true story becomes a gripping tale of adventure, a novel of ideas, and a moving love story.
Praise
“The vivid portraits of Charles VII and Agnès Sorel give readers an intimate glimpse into court intrigue in 15th-century France.”
—Alice Padwe, Washington Independent Review of Books
“The Dream Maker brings to vivid life the exemplary career of a little known medieval paragon, Jacques Cœur, banker, visionary, and crafter of the glory that was France.”
—The Barnes & Noble Review
“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 (France)
“The Dream Maker is both a chivalric odyssey and a brilliant reflection on power.”
—Lire (France)
The author
Jean-Christophe Rufin
Jean-Christophe Rufin is one of the founders of Doctors Without Borders and a former Ambassador of France in Senegal. He has written numerous bestsellers, including The Abyssian, for which he won the Goncourt Prize for a debut novel in 1997. He also won the Goncourt prize in 2001 for Brazil Red.