Champlain's Dream

By: David Hackett Fischer

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Winner of the Pritzker Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing

In this sweeping, enthralling biography, acclaimed historian David Hackett Fischer brings to life the remarkable Samuel de Champlain—soldier, spy, master mariner, explorer, cartographer, artist, and Father of New France.

Born on France's Atlantic coast, Champlain grew to manhood in a country riven by religious warfare. The historical record is unclear on whether Champlain was baptized Protestant or Catholic, but he fought in France's religious wars for the man who would become Henri IV, one of France's greatest kings, and like Henri, he was religiously tolerant in an age of murderous sectarianism. Champlain was also a brilliant navigator. He went to sea as a boy and over time acquired the skills that allowed him to make twenty-seven Atlantic crossings without losing a ship.

But we remember Champlain mainly as a great explorer. On foot and by ship and canoe, he traveled through what are now six Canadian provinces and five American states. Over more than thirty years he founded, colonized, and administered French settlements in North America. Sailing frequently between France and Canada, he maneuvered through court intrigue in Paris and negotiated among more than a dozen Indian nations in North America to establish New France. Champlain had early support from Henri IV and later Louis XIII, but the Queen Regent Marie de Medici and Cardinal Richelieu opposed his efforts. Despite much resistance and many defeats, Champlain, by his astonishing dedication and stamina, finally established France's New World colony. He tried constantly to maintain peace among Indian nations that were sometimes at war with one another, but when he had to, he took up arms and forcefully imposed a new balance of power, proving himself a formidable strategist and warrior.

Throughout his three decades in North America, Champlain remained committed to a remarkable vision, a Grand Design for France's colony. He encouraged intermarriage among the French colonists and the natives, and he insisted on tolerance for Protestants. He was a visionary leader, especially when compared to his English and Spanish contemporaries—a man who dreamed of humanity and peace in a world of cruelty and violence.

This superb biography, the first in decades, is as dramatic and exciting as the life it portrays. Deeply researched, it is illustrated throughout with many contemporary images and maps, including several drawn by Champlain himself.©2008 David Hackett Fischer; (P)2008 Simon & Schuster

Very interesting, insightful, inspiring...

My husband and I listened to this book in the car while on our roadtrip exploring Quebec and the Maritime provinces of Canada this fall. What a fantastic and fascinating way to sink our teeth in deeper... and appreciate the history of both the European settlement in North America as well as the First Nations peoples of the colonial period. It's so beautifully written and easy to read while also very honest and informative. Highly recommend it!!!

Fantastic historical biography of a complex man

Champlain is vastly underrated in both North American and European history.
Edward Hermann is a top 5 narrator. Period.

Inspiring portrayal of a man whose character and devotion to a dream deserves to be remembered.

The narration of this book is much more than a mere reading. I found it articulate, heartfelt and an enjoyable listen.

Wonderful new insight into important figure

Where does Champlain's Dream rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top of my favorite historical and biographical books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Come on - it's a biography.

Which character – as performed by Edward Herrmann – was your favorite?

Not much distinction between characters. Although his voice is pleasant as a narrator - clear and understandable - his French pronunciation could have been a lot better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

If they made a movie of it, they would ruin it.

Any additional comments?

Important and insightful biography of the father of Quebec and one of the most important historical figures in North American history. I grew up in Canada and am embarrassed to learn how little I knew of Champlain from history classes compared to what I learned in this engrossing and entertaining biography. Very well written, good narration, a touching and impactful historical study.

Inspiring

I am so glad to have listened to Champlain’s Dream. I am from Montreal, Quebec and I have learned a lot from this inspiring book. Even though those events took place more than 400 years ago, I recognized places and regions and a distinct French Canadian façon d’être