Jacques Coeur: Entrepreneur and King's Bursar

by Kathryn L. Reyerson

This biography traces the career of Frenchman Jacques Coeur, royal official, merchant, and financier, amidst war and exploration in Fifteenth-Century Europe, and invites readers to consider Coeur's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 032108537X
• ISBN13: 9780321085375
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Pearson
• Length: 189 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

The Original Investment Banker

Jacques Coeur was one of the more influential persons of his era, and did much to organize State finances for the King of France following the victories of Joan of Arc. In fact, King Charles VII is often called "the well served" because of the efforts of both Joan and Jacques Coeur. Reyerson's book is the first study in English to appear in some time. While a small book, her efforts are unusually methodical, apparently taken from the original source documents as often as possible. She is also current with the research of other scholars into Coeurs' business activities and eventual downfall. This is seemingly a requirement of most historical research, but the breadth of Coeur's activities and the partisanship of commentators on his activities can often complicate the subject for a reader in search of objective treatment. An especial skill of Reyerson seems to be the ability to reasonably extrapolate Coeur's business relationships from his activities. His diplomatic activites to the Papacy from the King of France, his actions as a magistrate settling cases of marque, and his trade and diplomatic activites are all carefully scrutinized. Because of Coeur's unique circumstances (especially his escape and flight from France), the usual records of these types of records, such as they existed, are often missing: this has likely hindered researchers in one of the more interesting eras of medieval France. Kathryn Reyerson's book will be especially helpful to students of the early Renaissance and/or late medieval France who seek a well documented but brief introduction to this remarkable personage.