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Joan of Arc: Her Story
In an exquisite English translation from the bestselling French edition, Joan of Arc: Her Story now appears for American readers. From the French peasant girl who led an army to the icon burned at the stake, Joan has been a blank slate on which thousands have written. Pernoud and Clin clear away the myths so that modern readers can see Joan as she was and include a glossary of important individuals, historical events and interpretations of Joan through the ages. Joan of Arc: Her Story is the thrilling life of a woman who obsesses us even to this day.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1946
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About the author
Régine Pernoud
134books119followersRégine Pernoud (17 June 1909 in Château-Chinon, Nièvre - 22 April 1998 in Paris) was a historian and medievalist. She received an award from the Académie française. She is known for writing extensively about Joan of Arc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 14, 2015
Actually it was Jeanette Darc � no apostrophe, no nobility but lots of passion.
In this thorough biography, Regine Pernoud meticulously lays out the short career of the woman warrior and martyr. The book is not an easy read, but if you prefer facts to fluff it will satisfy and keep you enthralled once the essential groundwork is laid. The author, Regine Pernoud, was a member of the prestigious , and the founder of .
The first chapter summarizes two key political events, the Hundred Years War between England and France, and the period of multiple Popes; it was written by the translator Jeremy Duquesnay Adams. The section is sufficient if you already know some of the information � I think it would be confusing if you did not. If you hope to keep all the Henrys, Charles, Louis and their uncles, wives and mothers straight, I suggest you find charts of the royal families of England and France. At least the dukes in Burgundy had memorable names like John the Bold and John the Good. Although not a contemporary of Joan Darc, one duke sounds especially interesting -- Mary the Rich.
The book proper is divided into three sections: the drama which is the history of Joan’s public career, a description of key personalities involved and summary of the historical artifacts linked with Jeanne Darc.
The author then moves to an exhaustive and exhausting description of Joan’s military career but muddle through the later sections are worth it. I found this part overwhelming because I had no knowledge of the political times and only slight knowledge of the terrain. You will need an atlas and probably a pad for notes to understand this part. Also helpful is the précis of key characters in part II. The maps supplied are not sufficient. The detail in this section will be helpful if you are interested in identifying people or battles for further research about this period.
Joan was captured on May 23, 1430 at Compiègne. I simply could not put down the book as her imprisonment and trial was recounted � often using her own words and comments from her prosecutor/judges. For example this quote from one of her primary adversaries: “The day that Joan was abandoned to secular judgment and delivered to be burned, I found myself in the morning in the prison with Friar Martin Ladvenu, whom the bishop of Beauvais had sent to tell her of her coming death and to induce her true contrition and penance, and also the hear her confession, which Ladvenu did very carefully and charitably�, chilling in its heartlessness.
I learned that the official record of the trial differs drastically from the record kept by the court notary who was the civil servant like a modern court stenographer. Happily, this notary retained original notes which differed from the official transcript. This record of the trial is scary not just because of what happened to a 17 year-old peasant girl, and not just because it demonstrates how religion can be exploited to suit power-lust but also because it is a reminder of how easily those in power can corrupt the historical record and coerce the officers of the court, true even today. The author points out that “the nullification trial as a whole contains a treasure trove for the cultural historian� and raises questions such as “Can truth be discovered through torture and fear?� In 1456 the trial and Joan’s conviction were nullified. Of course burning at the stake, like any capital punishment, can’t be undone.
The section “Joan as Memory� includes excerpts from depositions given by her family and friends at the nullification trial in 1456. This paints a portrait of a spunky, dutiful and devout young girl who was popular in her village. Pernoud’s love of history peeks out again in this section as she engages the reader with a discussion of popular religion in the fifteenth century. “The depositions reflect how natural and consistent with authentic piety they found love and respect for others, a willingness to welcome and help strangers, and a joyously active daily life.�
In summary, this book is a thorough review of the life of a fascinating medieval woman. It includes many excerpts from primary sources and is meticulously referenced.
One unexpected benefit I found was a better understanding of the motivation and perspective of a noted historian. Historians can teach you fun facts such as Godon � a 15th century French slang term for the English “who to French ears seemed constantly to repeat the expletive Goddamn. I came away with a list of people to investigate further: Christine De Pisan, a 15th century writer and poet; Isabelle of Portugal, Duchess of Burgundy, a mover and shaker in France at the time; the Dominican Friars Isambart de La Pierre and Martin Ladvenu who tried to influence for good the corrupt trial, and finally Duke Mary the Rich. I now also wonder what do you call a person from Burgundy? Burgundian? Bourguignon? Burgundionnes?
In this thorough biography, Regine Pernoud meticulously lays out the short career of the woman warrior and martyr. The book is not an easy read, but if you prefer facts to fluff it will satisfy and keep you enthralled once the essential groundwork is laid. The author, Regine Pernoud, was a member of the prestigious , and the founder of .
The first chapter summarizes two key political events, the Hundred Years War between England and France, and the period of multiple Popes; it was written by the translator Jeremy Duquesnay Adams. The section is sufficient if you already know some of the information � I think it would be confusing if you did not. If you hope to keep all the Henrys, Charles, Louis and their uncles, wives and mothers straight, I suggest you find charts of the royal families of England and France. At least the dukes in Burgundy had memorable names like John the Bold and John the Good. Although not a contemporary of Joan Darc, one duke sounds especially interesting -- Mary the Rich.
The book proper is divided into three sections: the drama which is the history of Joan’s public career, a description of key personalities involved and summary of the historical artifacts linked with Jeanne Darc.
The author then moves to an exhaustive and exhausting description of Joan’s military career but muddle through the later sections are worth it. I found this part overwhelming because I had no knowledge of the political times and only slight knowledge of the terrain. You will need an atlas and probably a pad for notes to understand this part. Also helpful is the précis of key characters in part II. The maps supplied are not sufficient. The detail in this section will be helpful if you are interested in identifying people or battles for further research about this period.
Joan was captured on May 23, 1430 at Compiègne. I simply could not put down the book as her imprisonment and trial was recounted � often using her own words and comments from her prosecutor/judges. For example this quote from one of her primary adversaries: “The day that Joan was abandoned to secular judgment and delivered to be burned, I found myself in the morning in the prison with Friar Martin Ladvenu, whom the bishop of Beauvais had sent to tell her of her coming death and to induce her true contrition and penance, and also the hear her confession, which Ladvenu did very carefully and charitably�, chilling in its heartlessness.
I learned that the official record of the trial differs drastically from the record kept by the court notary who was the civil servant like a modern court stenographer. Happily, this notary retained original notes which differed from the official transcript. This record of the trial is scary not just because of what happened to a 17 year-old peasant girl, and not just because it demonstrates how religion can be exploited to suit power-lust but also because it is a reminder of how easily those in power can corrupt the historical record and coerce the officers of the court, true even today. The author points out that “the nullification trial as a whole contains a treasure trove for the cultural historian� and raises questions such as “Can truth be discovered through torture and fear?� In 1456 the trial and Joan’s conviction were nullified. Of course burning at the stake, like any capital punishment, can’t be undone.
The section “Joan as Memory� includes excerpts from depositions given by her family and friends at the nullification trial in 1456. This paints a portrait of a spunky, dutiful and devout young girl who was popular in her village. Pernoud’s love of history peeks out again in this section as she engages the reader with a discussion of popular religion in the fifteenth century. “The depositions reflect how natural and consistent with authentic piety they found love and respect for others, a willingness to welcome and help strangers, and a joyously active daily life.�
In summary, this book is a thorough review of the life of a fascinating medieval woman. It includes many excerpts from primary sources and is meticulously referenced.
One unexpected benefit I found was a better understanding of the motivation and perspective of a noted historian. Historians can teach you fun facts such as Godon � a 15th century French slang term for the English “who to French ears seemed constantly to repeat the expletive Goddamn. I came away with a list of people to investigate further: Christine De Pisan, a 15th century writer and poet; Isabelle of Portugal, Duchess of Burgundy, a mover and shaker in France at the time; the Dominican Friars Isambart de La Pierre and Martin Ladvenu who tried to influence for good the corrupt trial, and finally Duke Mary the Rich. I now also wonder what do you call a person from Burgundy? Burgundian? Bourguignon? Burgundionnes?
October 12, 2024
Joan of Arc was a fascinating woman, and this book sheds great light on her life and times.
However, the formatting of this historical tome left something to be desired. While the first section was great, not only do the last two waste space, but the second part has tiny print that makes reading it unnecessarily difficult. If this is available via Apple Books or Kindle, I suggest you get it that way; otherwise, unless you have razor sharp vision, you'll probably hurt your eyes trying to read this.
However, the formatting of this historical tome left something to be desired. While the first section was great, not only do the last two waste space, but the second part has tiny print that makes reading it unnecessarily difficult. If this is available via Apple Books or Kindle, I suggest you get it that way; otherwise, unless you have razor sharp vision, you'll probably hurt your eyes trying to read this.
January 25, 2025
God grant me a small flame from the fire of faith, resilience, bravery, and submission to Jesus Christ that burned in Joan’s heart. It was far greater than the fire that burned her body.
I am also grateful to this historian for respecting Joan’s religion, visions, and “voices.� She honors Joan without deifying her, and grounds her story in historical context without dismissing the possibility of God’s activity in human life.
I am also grateful to this historian for respecting Joan’s religion, visions, and “voices.� She honors Joan without deifying her, and grounds her story in historical context without dismissing the possibility of God’s activity in human life.
September 9, 2017
3.5 stars
Okay, so this wasn't a terrible book. In fact, I learned so much about the French that I didn't know. (But in all honesty, I didn't know much about the French to begin with) I know that 3.5 stars means it was so-so at best. But I'm going to explain why I gave this book 3.5 stars. I truly debated on giving it 4 stars because of how informative it is and how much I learned. But when I found that I was pushing myself to finish this book so I could read something else, I knew it was time to knock down a star.
This book is separated into three different parts. First part is The Drama which is about Joan and how she was able to secure the crown for the dauphin, along with her battle exploits, capture, trial, and burning at the stake. Second part is the The Characters. This is about every single person, recorded in history, that was either influenced by Joan or had some sort of contact with her at any given point. This includes the nullification trial, where the English tried to determine whether or not Joan had a fair trial (after she died). The third part is The Issues and Images. This talks about Joan while she was alive and after she died. It talks about things like what she would have worn, how her swords would have been made, and the plays influenced by her. The rest of the book is the appendix, containing information on where to find the letters mentioned in the book and things of that nature.
I can tell that Regine Pernoud spent A LOT of time researching. I mean this book even mini bios of the characters in Joan's life. To me, that is thorough and I appreciate that immensely. Because I know that had to take a lot of time and dedication. But that thoroughness came at a cost. The book was dense and dry to the point of being almost boring. I know that it was trying to be factual with no fluff and I like that. But man, it was so dull in place. The only time it really got interesting was the "trial". I put trial in quotes because to be honest, that was a complete scam and I'm still angry at how they treated her.
I think those that know more about the French then I do and want to learn more about Joan of Arc would benefit from reading this book. It is a bit dated, being published in 1999 but I think it still has merit and value. I promised that I would try and read more medieval books from different countries and this book was the start of it. I am intrigued by Joan and I wan to go find a historical fiction novel about her. She was a very interesting person and I would really like to read more about her.
Okay, so this wasn't a terrible book. In fact, I learned so much about the French that I didn't know. (But in all honesty, I didn't know much about the French to begin with) I know that 3.5 stars means it was so-so at best. But I'm going to explain why I gave this book 3.5 stars. I truly debated on giving it 4 stars because of how informative it is and how much I learned. But when I found that I was pushing myself to finish this book so I could read something else, I knew it was time to knock down a star.
This book is separated into three different parts. First part is The Drama which is about Joan and how she was able to secure the crown for the dauphin, along with her battle exploits, capture, trial, and burning at the stake. Second part is the The Characters. This is about every single person, recorded in history, that was either influenced by Joan or had some sort of contact with her at any given point. This includes the nullification trial, where the English tried to determine whether or not Joan had a fair trial (after she died). The third part is The Issues and Images. This talks about Joan while she was alive and after she died. It talks about things like what she would have worn, how her swords would have been made, and the plays influenced by her. The rest of the book is the appendix, containing information on where to find the letters mentioned in the book and things of that nature.
I can tell that Regine Pernoud spent A LOT of time researching. I mean this book even mini bios of the characters in Joan's life. To me, that is thorough and I appreciate that immensely. Because I know that had to take a lot of time and dedication. But that thoroughness came at a cost. The book was dense and dry to the point of being almost boring. I know that it was trying to be factual with no fluff and I like that. But man, it was so dull in place. The only time it really got interesting was the "trial". I put trial in quotes because to be honest, that was a complete scam and I'm still angry at how they treated her.
I think those that know more about the French then I do and want to learn more about Joan of Arc would benefit from reading this book. It is a bit dated, being published in 1999 but I think it still has merit and value. I promised that I would try and read more medieval books from different countries and this book was the start of it. I am intrigued by Joan and I wan to go find a historical fiction novel about her. She was a very interesting person and I would really like to read more about her.
October 9, 2014
St Joan of Arc is my patron Saint, and to read her bio/history told in her own words as she went through the experience and trial...I know she is the patron of soldiers, military and police,but I consider her to be a patron also of those who are persecuted, those who have to fight the good fight of Faith for their Christian faith, etc. Such an example of hope, holiness, courage, etc. What an inspiration...
October 3, 2011
I find this book very well written and what I like about it is that it is truly a book that dispels a lot of myths about Joan of Arc.
Regine Pernoud worked really well and hard at presenting facts instead of trying to say what she thought Joan of Arc was. This is not a work of fiction - but a biography of a woman who changed the course of the world.
We are left in awe at the achievements of such a young lady - from leaving her town, enlisting help from nobles, going to the Dauphin, strategizing against the English, unifying France under the newly crowned King to finally battle the English under a false court - to which her wisdom, intelligence, faith, and incredible courage shows a woman like no equal.
Pernoud through facts, testimonies and the way of life of the 13th century dispels many of the misconceptions made upon Joan of Arc, and what we are left with is this wonder of wonder.
By looking at these historical facts, we are left with realizing that this woman was on a mission, on a true mission from God. What amazes me is that there are allusions to out-of-body experiences without using the term in testimonies over 700 years old. Joan would receive visitations in her sleep, would wake up with the answers she needed, she would know the outcome of battles etc..
As much as many people would like to say this is impossible, anyone with a brain has to recognize that Joan of Arc was not just a woman of this world, but did receive higher guidance and had to carry out her mission, knowing full well that she would be betrayed...
Does this remind you of Someone else who had to carry a Godly mission, knowing full well that betrayal was a necessary part of His story?
yeah it does, doesn't it?
Regine Pernoud worked really well and hard at presenting facts instead of trying to say what she thought Joan of Arc was. This is not a work of fiction - but a biography of a woman who changed the course of the world.
We are left in awe at the achievements of such a young lady - from leaving her town, enlisting help from nobles, going to the Dauphin, strategizing against the English, unifying France under the newly crowned King to finally battle the English under a false court - to which her wisdom, intelligence, faith, and incredible courage shows a woman like no equal.
Pernoud through facts, testimonies and the way of life of the 13th century dispels many of the misconceptions made upon Joan of Arc, and what we are left with is this wonder of wonder.
By looking at these historical facts, we are left with realizing that this woman was on a mission, on a true mission from God. What amazes me is that there are allusions to out-of-body experiences without using the term in testimonies over 700 years old. Joan would receive visitations in her sleep, would wake up with the answers she needed, she would know the outcome of battles etc..
As much as many people would like to say this is impossible, anyone with a brain has to recognize that Joan of Arc was not just a woman of this world, but did receive higher guidance and had to carry out her mission, knowing full well that she would be betrayed...
Does this remind you of Someone else who had to carry a Godly mission, knowing full well that betrayal was a necessary part of His story?
yeah it does, doesn't it?
June 30, 2015
For myself, a newcomer to scholarship on Joan of Arc, Regine Pernoud's work was an excellent and moving starting point. She relates the narrative of Joan in order of how she became known to the world, rather than a purely biographical approach. This lends more of a sense of just how shocking and unexpected Joan's brief time of activity really was. Pernoud's narrative is heavily founded in primary sources, and the prose is concise and engaging. I truly became invested over the course of Joan's life, and Pernoud's description of the incredibly unjust trial, and Joan's remarkable spirit and wisdom in fending off her unjust accusers comes across so clearly that it is near impossible to contain one's emotion when the moment of her execution comes.
This book is also an excellent starting point for study because of its lengthy appendices, which feature a handy index of the primary characters and their roles in the drama, an excellent section to flip back and forth to while reading to help keep track of the unfamiliar names and characters. Detailed maps are provided, as well as brief discussions of specific historical controversies surrounding Joan. An excellent work that I shall no doubt return to again, and has ably armed me for more exploration into the life of this extraordinary woman!
This book is also an excellent starting point for study because of its lengthy appendices, which feature a handy index of the primary characters and their roles in the drama, an excellent section to flip back and forth to while reading to help keep track of the unfamiliar names and characters. Detailed maps are provided, as well as brief discussions of specific historical controversies surrounding Joan. An excellent work that I shall no doubt return to again, and has ably armed me for more exploration into the life of this extraordinary woman!
August 6, 2024
I expected a lot from this translation of Pernoud and Clin's work, and I wasn't disappointed. This is one of the very best books about the enigmatic Joan of Arc. The book is unusual in being divided into a section of Joan's own words (but presented as those words entered the chronological record of her trial, not beginning with her childhood as in a typical chronological account), a section on the important characters in her life (this is a great place to get the real skinny on the characters in the recent Joan of Arc movies), and a section on issues and images. I was happy to have such a wealth of historical information--and judicious interpretation--at my fingertips. The translation is a fine one, and the book is a delight to read. Highly recommended! If you want a chronological account of Joan's own words, see the much smaller book Joan of Arc In Her Own Words (q.v.); but don't miss Pernoud and Clin's book!
January 31, 2011
This book claims to be the most complete and least biased book on Joan of Arc out there, and until I hear differently I will believe it to be. They do a wonderful, wonderful job of cutting to the heart of the event and explaining the two years of her life, so long ago (2010 is closer to the American Revolution than the Revolution was to her), humanizing them and placing them in context. The eye of the author is clear and compassionate as her world and her mission are recounted and, as best is possible, explained.
No opinion is advanced as to whether or not Joan was "miraculous" or what her politics might be if she were alive today. It's just the facts, and the facts are more than enough. Joan of Arc was definitely one of the most remarkable people who ever lived.
Knowing a little bit of French history and a little bit of French will be tremendously helpful in reading this book.
No opinion is advanced as to whether or not Joan was "miraculous" or what her politics might be if she were alive today. It's just the facts, and the facts are more than enough. Joan of Arc was definitely one of the most remarkable people who ever lived.
Knowing a little bit of French history and a little bit of French will be tremendously helpful in reading this book.
December 3, 2017
This biography is very different from any I have previously read. It combines actual interviews with those who knew her, transcripts from the trial, and a commentary that follows at the end of each chapter. It places a high emphasis on historical fact over theory, which is extremely important in not only writing a fact-based biography but in wielding through the plethora of myths regarding the life of Joan d' Arc. Of these there are many including:
1) The story that she was a bastard of noble birth.
2) That she somehow escaped the burning and was whisked away.
3) That many people saw her years later and can attest that she survived (this was an imposture who even managed to convince her brother that it was she).
However, Pernoud, through meticulous research, and the citing of eye witness accounts, and the trail transcripts, both of the Condemnation and Rehabilitation, ferrets out the truth for all to see.
What is plain, is that he manages in doing so, to bring Joan back to life for all of us to see and appreciate. Of, this we can say there has never been one like her since. She was and is, the Maid of Orleans, and the spirit of France.
1) The story that she was a bastard of noble birth.
2) That she somehow escaped the burning and was whisked away.
3) That many people saw her years later and can attest that she survived (this was an imposture who even managed to convince her brother that it was she).
However, Pernoud, through meticulous research, and the citing of eye witness accounts, and the trail transcripts, both of the Condemnation and Rehabilitation, ferrets out the truth for all to see.
What is plain, is that he manages in doing so, to bring Joan back to life for all of us to see and appreciate. Of, this we can say there has never been one like her since. She was and is, the Maid of Orleans, and the spirit of France.
June 11, 2019
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
This excellent book tells the story of Joan of Arc entirely in her own words and in the words of contemporary witnesses, accounts and legal proceedings. As a result St. Joan is not forced into an ill-fitting mold fashioned by modern ideology, but allowed to appear, as far as is possible, as she did to her own people in her own time. The book has an interesting structure, first the narrative, second appendices with detailed biographies of the principal characters (these were referenced throughout the narrative text.) I found that it actually required a reading strategy. It was too much of a hindrance to stop the narrative and look up the biographies one by one as I went along, so what I did was tick off with a pencil each reference as it appeared in the narrative text and then, at the end of each chapter, go back and read the biographies. It seemed to work pretty well.
One thing: apparently the English translation adds to or modifies a fair amount of the French original and I wish they'd made it clear exactly what in the English text was new.
This excellent book tells the story of Joan of Arc entirely in her own words and in the words of contemporary witnesses, accounts and legal proceedings. As a result St. Joan is not forced into an ill-fitting mold fashioned by modern ideology, but allowed to appear, as far as is possible, as she did to her own people in her own time. The book has an interesting structure, first the narrative, second appendices with detailed biographies of the principal characters (these were referenced throughout the narrative text.) I found that it actually required a reading strategy. It was too much of a hindrance to stop the narrative and look up the biographies one by one as I went along, so what I did was tick off with a pencil each reference as it appeared in the narrative text and then, at the end of each chapter, go back and read the biographies. It seemed to work pretty well.
One thing: apparently the English translation adds to or modifies a fair amount of the French original and I wish they'd made it clear exactly what in the English text was new.
April 9, 2025
Deftly written, and oh-so moving ~
I’d read more historians if they were as concise and artful as Régine Pernoud is in this masterpiece. In a world that only wants to deify and diagnose Joan, even nearly 600 years after her death, this account deserves praise for humanizing her.
I’d read more historians if they were as concise and artful as Régine Pernoud is in this masterpiece. In a world that only wants to deify and diagnose Joan, even nearly 600 years after her death, this account deserves praise for humanizing her.
November 4, 2013
There are certainly lots of books about Joan of Arc, from children books with the myths surrounding her to a host of academic texts, each dry as toast. I wasn't certain this was going to be much different, but I was interested to read a real historical account, without so much of it being dredged through rumor and the mythos that has sprung up about her life and her implications in society, but this version is an excellent translation, with the sorts of fine adjustments in tone and word choice that allow the original beauty of the facts remain alive, without pale, emaciated facts with all the poetry sucked out. The book engages, expresses, speaks in vivid words that offer a range of information in a few words, while remaining an entirely useable research or academic book, though it is documented in the French rather than American style. The book does an excellent job of distinguishing the stylistic differences in that documentation, so a thorough read should offer no great challenge to a student or researcher.
June 29, 2020
Instead of focusing and romanticizing Joan's death at the stake, Pernoud has crafted an image of the hero based on her as a person and her victories. I liked how it had short biographies about the other people mentioned in here, as well as the chapter where the people of the village she had grown up in described her as a child. It also talks of Joan's religion without judgement.
Since it is an older book, it never mentions the modern view of her having been burned for being a witch, which I very much appreciated. Most witches had not been burned to death, and secondly, she was a heretic who defied England and that had been her 'crime'. She did die at the beginning of the witch hunts, but she was never accused of witchcraft except in Shakespeare's play , and since when has Shakespeare been historically accurate?
Since it is an older book, it never mentions the modern view of her having been burned for being a witch, which I very much appreciated. Most witches had not been burned to death, and secondly, she was a heretic who defied England and that had been her 'crime'. She did die at the beginning of the witch hunts, but she was never accused of witchcraft except in Shakespeare's play , and since when has Shakespeare been historically accurate?
March 19, 2019
The translator of this one apparently re-arranged the text, and I'm not sure he did at great job, as the book is rather odd in the way it is put together. I do appreciate that the text is very "just the facts, ma'am", and that the information is taken from contemporary primary sources. I kind of enjoy the fact that the book starts not with Joan's childhood, but with the first written mention of her in the contemporary sources.
However, I wish all the information relegated to the various appendices had remained in situ in the text, as their lack made the book feel a bit short and stilted.
However, I wish all the information relegated to the various appendices had remained in situ in the text, as their lack made the book feel a bit short and stilted.
Want to read
September 16, 2009I'm embarrassed to admit that I never really had much interest in St. Joan of Arc until I was recently reminded that she believed in fairies. Now, I'm facinated and am planning on reading as much about her as I can. This book has a very historical sense, but that's good as it's keeping me from having an overly romanticized view of her.
August 9, 2016
Only read the first section (the narrative). This book is a good introduction to the historical Joan of Arc. It was more scholarly than I anticipated, and I definitely do not have the necessary background history of the Hundred Years War under my belt to fully appreciate all of this book. But I could follow it.
August 11, 2007
I learned all about Joan of Arc. Well written, thorough, and based on and cites historical records. The trial and her execution were especially well documented and informative. I appreciated the presentation of her controversial life without twisting it to fit a modern day agenda.
June 23, 2008
Really I have never been into a biography more. The book is chalk full of quotes from her and other first hand accounts. I got so excited after reading this I went to blockbuster and rented a movie about Joan of Arc. She was amazing.
May 31, 2022
Very well researched and thorough. Not a pure academic read, but close. I liked it because I wanted to separate the myth from the person. And this primary document approach strives to do that. What an amazing woman!
January 23, 2016
This is great. It reads like a good story and contains all of the relevant letters and information on the major players in appendices in the back. The writer approaches the story without either undue credence or skepticism.
February 28, 2016
The book you want to read about Joan of Arc... or Jehanne Darc... or the many other name spelling possibilities! Extremely well written with an abundance of original source materials, it tells the clear story of a woman whose story deserves to be told (and told properly!)
July 31, 2022
Joan was born in France around 1412 to a peasant family. She had three bothers and one sister. Her parents were farmers, but her father did hold an official position in the town, collecting taxes. At the time of her birth, France was in the middle of the Hundred Years War, which was a time of death and upheaval. Her particular area had feudal ties that switched back and forth frequently. Around the time when she turned thirteen, she said she started having visions. She continued to say that she had visions of various saints for the rest of her life. She claimed her visions told her that she must help the prince win his battles, so she armed herself and went off to war. This was not a common thing to have happen, especially for Christian women in this time period. Eventually, she was captured. She was put on trial for her political motivations, but much was made about her scary supernatural powers. They decided to try her for heresy, threaten her with torture, and trip her up. They were actually unsuccessful, because she was very intelligent and did not submit or fall for their traps. They did actually convict on heresy, but I do not believe she was a heretic at all. They did not like her political inclinations, they did not like her courage, her outspokenness, or the fact that she was a female.
After her conviction, she agreed to sign an abjuration, which essentially said she agreed to being called a heretic but was repenting. She was never allowed to wear men's clothing as she had when she was riding to war. They shaved her head. They made her deny having her visions of saints. She was mistreated greatly in a lot of ways, including attempted rape, which may or may not have been successful, depending who you ask. The guards in her prison only gave her male clothing, so she would be forced to wear them, and then tattled on her. They refused to let her out to go to Mass, even though she was supposed to have been allowed to. When she was questioned about why she was wearing male clothing again, she explained. They asked about her visions, and she said she would not deny them again. Because of that, they decided to deem her a relapsed heretic (utterly ridiculous) and execute her. She was excommunicated from the church, tied to a stake and burned, and her body was thrown into the Seine.
Joan was beatified in 1909 by Pope Pius X, and was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. Pope Pius X declared her to be a secondary patron saint of France. Her feast day is the date of her execution, which is extremely morbid. The Church of England also views her as a "visionary" but both of these religious factions were happy to murder her for nonsense reasons to facilitate their military and political goals. Despite the fact that she is now a religious icon for a religion that threw her out and murdered her, there have been other causes for her visions put forth over the years. Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, and fungal poisoning have all been suggested. Anything is possible, but the fact of the matter is, it cannot be proven now.
In school, Joan was briefly mentioned, and we were taught she was burned at the stake for hearing voices from God (not saints) and being a witch (when it was actually a heretic). We have to love that Southern education. I know that a lot of people are struggling in this current day and age with religious oppression from so called Christians, but Christians in the Middle Ages were a whole other breed. They were particularly horrible to their own kind, which makes no sense at all. Still are, actually. I think they misunderstood some of the basic Christian tenets and went wild, weaponizing their religion against people that believed differently, worshipped differently, or who were politically different. (A lot like today.) This book was easy to read, and contained a lot of information and source material. I am glad that I took the time to learn more about her life and trials, if for no other reason than to correct my miseducation. I was happy with this book, especially since I got it for a dollar.
After her conviction, she agreed to sign an abjuration, which essentially said she agreed to being called a heretic but was repenting. She was never allowed to wear men's clothing as she had when she was riding to war. They shaved her head. They made her deny having her visions of saints. She was mistreated greatly in a lot of ways, including attempted rape, which may or may not have been successful, depending who you ask. The guards in her prison only gave her male clothing, so she would be forced to wear them, and then tattled on her. They refused to let her out to go to Mass, even though she was supposed to have been allowed to. When she was questioned about why she was wearing male clothing again, she explained. They asked about her visions, and she said she would not deny them again. Because of that, they decided to deem her a relapsed heretic (utterly ridiculous) and execute her. She was excommunicated from the church, tied to a stake and burned, and her body was thrown into the Seine.
Joan was beatified in 1909 by Pope Pius X, and was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. Pope Pius X declared her to be a secondary patron saint of France. Her feast day is the date of her execution, which is extremely morbid. The Church of England also views her as a "visionary" but both of these religious factions were happy to murder her for nonsense reasons to facilitate their military and political goals. Despite the fact that she is now a religious icon for a religion that threw her out and murdered her, there have been other causes for her visions put forth over the years. Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, and fungal poisoning have all been suggested. Anything is possible, but the fact of the matter is, it cannot be proven now.
In school, Joan was briefly mentioned, and we were taught she was burned at the stake for hearing voices from God (not saints) and being a witch (when it was actually a heretic). We have to love that Southern education. I know that a lot of people are struggling in this current day and age with religious oppression from so called Christians, but Christians in the Middle Ages were a whole other breed. They were particularly horrible to their own kind, which makes no sense at all. Still are, actually. I think they misunderstood some of the basic Christian tenets and went wild, weaponizing their religion against people that believed differently, worshipped differently, or who were politically different. (A lot like today.) This book was easy to read, and contained a lot of information and source material. I am glad that I took the time to learn more about her life and trials, if for no other reason than to correct my miseducation. I was happy with this book, especially since I got it for a dollar.
August 25, 2020
Joan of Arc Her Story starts with a narrative that covers the first 164 pages. Unlike the format of connected quotes in Pernoud’s first book, it reads like a straight narrative.
But how could two authors write one book? Could it be each of the authors wrote a different section of the book? I believe so because some parts have a different writing style and new information.
The story skips early life details and begins with Orleans� desperate situation that determines the survival of France. This 17 year girl that has never seen a battle or rode a war horse hears heavenly voices telling her to go to the King and lead troops to relieve Orleans. Her relative, Laxart, takes her to a commander loyal to Charles. Of course, he refuses. Besides the voices, Joan at times also exercises a supernatural ability to see future events. She tells him of a French defeat at Orleans before the new could reach him. When the news arrives he is convinced to provide escort for Joan to the King.
With no where to turn, the King accepts and the story continues with Joan’s victories in battle and the crowning of the King much like the other narratives.
At this point, Charles had everything needed to take back his kingdom—the troops, the momentum, the feared leader in Joan of Arc, and very good captains. Joan’s reputation had spread beyond France. A quote from Bedford in charge of the war in France for the child King of England makes the point. Because of trouble recruiting troops in England, he sent a letter with instructions for “drafting men who refused to go to France ‘through fear of the devices of the Maid� �.
Many of the quotes found in this narrative give us a glimpse of Joan not seen in other books. For example, many cities depended on Joan for protection. The city of Rheims called for her help. She replied “If they come near, shut your gates for I will be very direct with you: if they come there, I will make them fasten their spurs so fast that they will not know how to put them on and get out of there fast.� The author says this was very much in her style. I have to love the confidence of The Maid that flows from her unshakable faith in God.
The strength of the narrative is the treatment of important points with deeper detail. Examples are:
� Flaws in the character of Charles VII (page 79)
� Joan’s fear of treason (page 78)
� Why Charles didn’t pay Joan’s ransom (page 98)
� How Joan’s conviction was important to Cauchon and a University of Paris group for their
political and power-grabbing push for conciliarism (page 106-107)
� Horrible conditions of her imprisonment and her fear of being violated (page 104-105)
� Fraudulent charges deliberately added to 70 articles of charges (page 123)
� The poisoning of Joan (page 124-125)
The last 10 pages of the narrative are a must read even if a person reads no other part. They are filled with emotion that will bring tears to your eyes. This is the last minutes of Joan’s life. A person will not only be moved, but will understand why Joan is a saint.
The narrative is the part everybody will read in this book. The rest is optional starting with the second part that is short biographies on key players. Part Three-Issues and Images, provides glimpses of different facts of the story such as Joan’s armor, her family, tax exemption for Domremy, her capture at Compiegne, and more. The glossary has Joan’s letters, a chronology, and maps. I find much of this interesting, but others might find it dull and want to move to their next book which is understandable.
But how could two authors write one book? Could it be each of the authors wrote a different section of the book? I believe so because some parts have a different writing style and new information.
The story skips early life details and begins with Orleans� desperate situation that determines the survival of France. This 17 year girl that has never seen a battle or rode a war horse hears heavenly voices telling her to go to the King and lead troops to relieve Orleans. Her relative, Laxart, takes her to a commander loyal to Charles. Of course, he refuses. Besides the voices, Joan at times also exercises a supernatural ability to see future events. She tells him of a French defeat at Orleans before the new could reach him. When the news arrives he is convinced to provide escort for Joan to the King.
With no where to turn, the King accepts and the story continues with Joan’s victories in battle and the crowning of the King much like the other narratives.
At this point, Charles had everything needed to take back his kingdom—the troops, the momentum, the feared leader in Joan of Arc, and very good captains. Joan’s reputation had spread beyond France. A quote from Bedford in charge of the war in France for the child King of England makes the point. Because of trouble recruiting troops in England, he sent a letter with instructions for “drafting men who refused to go to France ‘through fear of the devices of the Maid� �.
Many of the quotes found in this narrative give us a glimpse of Joan not seen in other books. For example, many cities depended on Joan for protection. The city of Rheims called for her help. She replied “If they come near, shut your gates for I will be very direct with you: if they come there, I will make them fasten their spurs so fast that they will not know how to put them on and get out of there fast.� The author says this was very much in her style. I have to love the confidence of The Maid that flows from her unshakable faith in God.
The strength of the narrative is the treatment of important points with deeper detail. Examples are:
� Flaws in the character of Charles VII (page 79)
� Joan’s fear of treason (page 78)
� Why Charles didn’t pay Joan’s ransom (page 98)
� How Joan’s conviction was important to Cauchon and a University of Paris group for their
political and power-grabbing push for conciliarism (page 106-107)
� Horrible conditions of her imprisonment and her fear of being violated (page 104-105)
� Fraudulent charges deliberately added to 70 articles of charges (page 123)
� The poisoning of Joan (page 124-125)
The last 10 pages of the narrative are a must read even if a person reads no other part. They are filled with emotion that will bring tears to your eyes. This is the last minutes of Joan’s life. A person will not only be moved, but will understand why Joan is a saint.
The narrative is the part everybody will read in this book. The rest is optional starting with the second part that is short biographies on key players. Part Three-Issues and Images, provides glimpses of different facts of the story such as Joan’s armor, her family, tax exemption for Domremy, her capture at Compiegne, and more. The glossary has Joan’s letters, a chronology, and maps. I find much of this interesting, but others might find it dull and want to move to their next book which is understandable.
October 28, 2017
Review: Joan of Arc: Her Story by Regine Pernoud. 10/23/2017
I thought this was an interesting book. I only read about 175 pages because the rest was Joan of Arc’s letters and they were in Latin. I haven’t read or spoke Latin since the eighth grade. Some of what I read was new to me. When I was going to a Catholic school I was told the story differently then what I just read. Some situations and issues were altered but not all. A forward, a preface, acknowledgments and a prelude started the book. I recommend that the prelude should be read to help understand the history, climate and era of this book. The writer uses various writings describing the impact on others, the interrogations and Joan of Arc’s own words.
Joan of Arc is a sixteen year old peasant girl from Lorraine who travels at the time of the anti-French Burgundy to help in who claims the French Throne, Charles VII. She has stated that amidst her travels angels voices told her that God instructed her to raise the barrier at Orleans that has been going on for some time and take Charles to Reims to be consecrated and crowned King. Charles gives her an army and defeats the English army at Patay led by Fastolf, and seen Charles be anointed.
After that Joan falls out of approval with Charles because of court jealousies and captured by Burgundians of France. Then Charles VII rejects to give ransom and Joan is handed over to the English. A priest of the University of Paris, Pierre Cauchon sets up Joan of Arc’s trial. Two years as a prisoner she is sentence to die by fire. Her last word is, “Jesus.”�..
There is still so much history to Joan’s story that the writer separated it into three sections. What little information of Joan’s childhood wasn’t mentioned in this book until near the end because it wasn’t placed into historical records until after her death. There was more on her bravery battling the English and her long unjustified trial. Much of the trials controversy was the fact that she wore men’s clothing�.
I thought this was an interesting book. I only read about 175 pages because the rest was Joan of Arc’s letters and they were in Latin. I haven’t read or spoke Latin since the eighth grade. Some of what I read was new to me. When I was going to a Catholic school I was told the story differently then what I just read. Some situations and issues were altered but not all. A forward, a preface, acknowledgments and a prelude started the book. I recommend that the prelude should be read to help understand the history, climate and era of this book. The writer uses various writings describing the impact on others, the interrogations and Joan of Arc’s own words.
Joan of Arc is a sixteen year old peasant girl from Lorraine who travels at the time of the anti-French Burgundy to help in who claims the French Throne, Charles VII. She has stated that amidst her travels angels voices told her that God instructed her to raise the barrier at Orleans that has been going on for some time and take Charles to Reims to be consecrated and crowned King. Charles gives her an army and defeats the English army at Patay led by Fastolf, and seen Charles be anointed.
After that Joan falls out of approval with Charles because of court jealousies and captured by Burgundians of France. Then Charles VII rejects to give ransom and Joan is handed over to the English. A priest of the University of Paris, Pierre Cauchon sets up Joan of Arc’s trial. Two years as a prisoner she is sentence to die by fire. Her last word is, “Jesus.”�..
There is still so much history to Joan’s story that the writer separated it into three sections. What little information of Joan’s childhood wasn’t mentioned in this book until near the end because it wasn’t placed into historical records until after her death. There was more on her bravery battling the English and her long unjustified trial. Much of the trials controversy was the fact that she wore men’s clothing�.
October 24, 2024
Joan of Arc's story means something different to everyone who claims her, from feminists to catholics, anti-colonial leftists to French fascists. Who was she? For Leslie Feinberg she was a fierce transgender warrior. For the English in her lifetime, she was a political liability who had to die a heretic's death; then, she was cleared posthumously, and finally, centuries later, sainted. This book is really committed to putting her life into perspective, addressing the dominant ideologies of warfare and religious power struggles of her time, with an eye for twisty political intrigue.
Even though Joan's divinely-mandated crossdressing is curious, not least because it formed the core of the case against her in court, she's most interesting as a central character in the Hundred Years' War, a fascinating period that inspired GRRM's Thrones series (not to mention few other things, LOL). Martin has written numerous characters who work as corollaries to her; young, naive idealists with zero guile who become the victims of savvier political opponents.
Joan of Arc's life is in many ways more incredible than fiction, because so many of her claims about the will of God and predictions about the future did seem to come true. There's a lot to chew on here and a huge array of fictional media inspired by her life across the centuries, much of it with serious cultural merit, which becomes more rewarding with a fuller understanding of her true story. I guess I'll probably go see Baz Luhrmann's movie too.
Even though Joan's divinely-mandated crossdressing is curious, not least because it formed the core of the case against her in court, she's most interesting as a central character in the Hundred Years' War, a fascinating period that inspired GRRM's Thrones series (not to mention few other things, LOL). Martin has written numerous characters who work as corollaries to her; young, naive idealists with zero guile who become the victims of savvier political opponents.
Joan of Arc's life is in many ways more incredible than fiction, because so many of her claims about the will of God and predictions about the future did seem to come true. There's a lot to chew on here and a huge array of fictional media inspired by her life across the centuries, much of it with serious cultural merit, which becomes more rewarding with a fuller understanding of her true story. I guess I'll probably go see Baz Luhrmann's movie too.
November 8, 2019
I knew practically nothing about Joan of Arc coming into this book. In fact, I picked it up on a whim at a Half-Price Books store while I was looking for something else. I also discovered Mark Twain wrote a large book about her, which I may have to pick up at a later date. Joan's story turned out to be quite intriguing.
Were her voices real? Who knows. I have no doubt she believed them real, especially given her refusal to recant in the face of the stake. Do I find it likely God, for whatever reason, desired the French in particular to overcome their English invaders? No. It would certainly stretch the imagination. I know precious little of this time period, but the intertwining of politics and religion is enough to make me dizzy, even when approached from the broad perspective this book takes.
And yet, despite all this...her piety is striking. The description of her burning at the stake, her continuous invocations of Jesus' name as her body withered in the flames, is truly haunting. I cannot deny that I was moved - I can only imagine how some of the most conscientious English present that day felt, knowing the trial and execution were a farce. The words of an English soldier after the execution says it all - "God forgive us, we have burned a saint."
Were her voices real? Who knows. I have no doubt she believed them real, especially given her refusal to recant in the face of the stake. Do I find it likely God, for whatever reason, desired the French in particular to overcome their English invaders? No. It would certainly stretch the imagination. I know precious little of this time period, but the intertwining of politics and religion is enough to make me dizzy, even when approached from the broad perspective this book takes.
And yet, despite all this...her piety is striking. The description of her burning at the stake, her continuous invocations of Jesus' name as her body withered in the flames, is truly haunting. I cannot deny that I was moved - I can only imagine how some of the most conscientious English present that day felt, knowing the trial and execution were a farce. The words of an English soldier after the execution says it all - "God forgive us, we have burned a saint."
October 22, 2024
Dang, history books are very difficult for me. This book goes over so much more than the narrative of Joan’s life, and covers the many wars and political/economic standings that affected the perceptions that were had about, for, and because of Joan.
So in essence it is very interesting, but there is so much knowledge densely packed into each chapter that it is so difficult to parse. In times it is so specific, we learn the name and history of some random lord who is also called Charles but isn’t Charles the Dauphin, and he did something that had a small impact on Joan’s inevitable journey to Rouen, here’s 8 pages about him. Then at times it states things far too simply: Louis was assassinated in 1407, end of story. WHAT?? What happened?? Why?? Is that not important??
At the end of the day I learned a lot about Joan, and that is what I set out to do.
Sometimes frustrating, but still very interesting.
So in essence it is very interesting, but there is so much knowledge densely packed into each chapter that it is so difficult to parse. In times it is so specific, we learn the name and history of some random lord who is also called Charles but isn’t Charles the Dauphin, and he did something that had a small impact on Joan’s inevitable journey to Rouen, here’s 8 pages about him. Then at times it states things far too simply: Louis was assassinated in 1407, end of story. WHAT?? What happened?? Why?? Is that not important??
At the end of the day I learned a lot about Joan, and that is what I set out to do.
Sometimes frustrating, but still very interesting.
October 16, 2020
If you really want to get in the mind of Regine Pernoud about this particular book, you have to read it in the original French. Written in 1977, I have no idea of the date of the translation. However I do know language evolves and term used in 77 do not have the same significance today. Specifically in quotes written during the Middle Ages, language has changed completely and doesn't have the same significance today. To understand my meaning, try to find antique French English English French dictionaries. start with the easiest to find say mid 50's then from the 20's then turn of XIXth century. You should be able to see what I mean.
Enjoy a powerful book on all the misconceptions about history. (Sorry no spoiler alert) Read, re-read and re-re-read.
Enjoy a powerful book on all the misconceptions about history. (Sorry no spoiler alert) Read, re-read and re-re-read.
July 18, 2024
A very interesting biography of Joan of Arc. The author quotes EXTENSIVELY from the primary sources, more than any other biography of any person I have probably ever read, which I really liked. It was really cool reading the words of people who lived more than 500 years ago. It was especially fascinating hearing Joan of Arc's own voice in some of the primary sources. Her impressive achievements at such a young age, with so little experience, and in such a short period of time still defy easy explanation. Joan herself attributed it all to God and receiving revelations from her "voices" or her "counsel" which she elsewhere said were angels or deceased saints talking to her. Just a fascinating story.
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