Jacques Coeur, the Businessman of Medieval France

This book explores the fascinating and complex life of Jacques Cœur, the most influential and wealthiest merchant in medieval France. Born into modest beginnings, Cœur rose to prominence through his mastery of trade, banking, and finance, eventually becoming a key player in the royal court of Charles VII. His commercial ventures spanned vast networks across Europe, establishing him as a central figure in the transformation of the French economy from a feudal to an early capitalist system. Cœur's financial expertise played a pivotal role in financing the French monarchy's military campaigns during the Hundred Years' War, securing French territories from English occupation and supporting the centralization of royal power. However, Cœur's meteoric rise was followed by a dramatic fall. Accused of embezzlement, corruption, and treason, he was imprisoned, exiled, and his vast fortune seized. The book delves into the political intricacies of his downfall, reflecting the volatile and competitive nature of medieval royal courts, where personal ambition, factional rivalry, and shifting allegiances played critical roles in shaping the fates of even the most powerful figures. Despite the destruction of his wealth and influence, Cœur's legacy endured. His return to favor under Louis XI marked the beginning of his rehabilitation, though he was never able to reclaim his former prominence. The book also explores the broader historical context of his life, focusing on the rise of the merchant class, the early stages of modern banking, and the shifting power dynamics between the monarchy, the nobility, and emerging bourgeois elites. Through Cœur's journey, the book offers a nuanced perspective on the complex relationship between wealth, power, and governance in late medieval France. It highlights the changing economic systems, the rise of state-driven capitalism, and the intersection of commercial success and political influence. Ultimately, Jacques Cœur's life serves as a testament to the fragile nature of power, illustrating the risks and rewards of navigating a rapidly transforming political and economic landscape.