The Moneyman [Paperback]

Thomas B. Costain (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam Books (1954)
• ASIN: B00125W7DA
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Study in Historical Fiction, February 13, 2005

By 

Abraham Rzepkowicz - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Moneyman (Hardcover)

Mr. Costain has placed a unique a character from late Middle Ages France into a setting of events which mark a turning point in history. This is the post-Joan of Arc world that would redefine France and England from feudalism to modernity. Jacques Coeur, the moneyman, the energetic man of the people and the financial power behind the throne, seeks to create a base of power from which to revolutionize the social and economic standards and perspectives of a stagnating Age of Chivalry. His efforts at manipulation of the people around him, from the lowliest peasant to the king himself, backfire and arouse opposition both to himself personally as well as to his vision of a better world. The powers that be are not ready to accept the changes toward which the modern world will evolve.

The fictional format presented by Mr. Costain carries the reader into French history after Mark Twain's Joan of Arc. The reader of The Moneyman will enjoy the setting, the characters, and engaging elements of the plot. The author is sensitive to the local color of time and place, as well as a sense of the dramatic interplay of people and events in both the tragic and comic aspects of his story. However, at times, the historical lessons he wishes to present prevent of the fictional flow of characters and events from assuming center stage. Mr. Costain writes in his introduction:

It must be made clear to the reader where history
ends and the work of the romancer begins....

It is this balance that effects the pace the story and may be deemed too prominent.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE MONEYMAM, October 29, 2009

By 

Lois - See all my reviews

What a terrific way to learn history. The Moneyman is about the incredible merchant, Jacques Coeur (Jack Heart) and the King of France, Charles the 7th. Jacques Coeur was able through his devotion to France to finance the recovery of Normandy from England at the end of the 100 year war. Interwoven with the history is the romantic story of two people of that time. Thomas Costain's description of their lives gives us an inside view of what life was like in France before the Revolution in the 1700's. Chivalry was so ignorant of reality that seeing it in a situation really will open your eyes. Also, the way people were tried in courts is another way to see the amazing way our own founders framed our American constitution from knowledge of the abuses the European courts. If you like to be involved in a story that you can't stop reading, the Moneyman will give you hours of such interesting reading. You will be better for it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Mistress to the King, February 10, 2012

By 

Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Moneyman (Mass Market Paperback)

Thomas Costain (1885-1965) began writing novels of historical fiction at age 57. This is the third of his books I've read (The Silver Chalice & The Black Rose). I found myself searching the web for information about Charles VII of France and Agnes Sorel. Costain weaves a wonderful tale of Middle Age intrigue throughout the palace and court of France. He explains the background of the 100 Year War and the role the leading character, merchant Jacques Coeur, played in financing early cannons, improving their metals and lessening their tendency to explode. The historical role of Agnes Sorel's stint as influential mistress to the King was an eye opener. The romance between D'Arlay and Valerie warms the heart as we see love and devotion has thrived in every age, as have their courtly counterparts of lust and betrayal. In particular, the trial of Coeur grips the reader to see how wealth can purchase justice. This was another great novel by Costain. I will be sure to be on the lookout for others! Enjoy!