Déjà rêvé, meaning “already dreamed,” is a widespread phenomenon related to, though distinct from, the more popularly known déjà vu. More than just a familiar sense, moments of déjà rêvé are tied directly to specific dreams, often inspiring profound life changes for the dreamer.

In this book, Daniel Bourke compiles the most comprehensive record of this mysterious phenomenon to date, presenting hundreds of romantic and other precognitive dreams from legendary, historical, and modern sources, collected for the first time in one place. Highlighting in particular the experience of dreams that foretell love encounters, Bourke explores the way these dreams and visions draw people together. Illustrating just how extensive and deeply human this phenomenon is, Bourke delves into folk practices from different cultures, including charms and spells to induce prophetic dreams of a future lover, such as placing cards or herbs under a pillow, looking into a candlelit mirror, or praying to the moon. Dreamers can learn the exact name of their future lover or spouse, though they may not encounter them until years after the dream.