An historical biography of fifteenth-century saint and national heroine of France, Joan of Arc, that relies on the letters and testimony given at her trial.

In a distinguished English translation, the bestselling French book now considered the standard biography of Joan published just in time for the upcoming film by Luc Besson.

A look at the life, death, and continuing influence of Joan of Arc.

This book is the first English language book about the retrial of Joan of Arc: and clearly the best, based firmly on the testimonies given at the retrial. Written by the renowned French historian, Regine Pernoud, it uses extensive excerpts from the people who actually knew Joan, bringing to life this great woman and her powerful story. The whole tremendous and fascinating historical story is told here by her childhood playmates and relatives, her royal and noble friends, her confessor, her valet, her squires and heralds, and her fellow soldiers. Included also are excerpts from some of her enemies: their presence here lends even a more powerful authenticity to her story than if we had only heard from her friends and supporters. As we follow Pernoud through her remarkably clear, detailed tracing of this history told by living tongues, weaving the testimonies together, we begin to share with her the experience of those men who were making the investigation of Joan. Pernoud's method is direct and knowledgeable, and dedicated to the discovery and presentation of the mystical truth.

Warrior, martyr, saint: Joan of Arc has captivated imaginations around the world for centuries. The legendary heroine of a tumultuous episode from the Hundred Years' War, Joan led the French army to triumph over the English at the Siege of Orléans in 1429. Two years later the 19-year-old was captured by the enemy and their French collaborators, charged with heresy, and burned at the stake — the end of her life but the beginning of her enduring fame. This expertly translated and lavishly illustrated biography traces The Maid of Orléans' progress from ordinary peasant girl to seer of mystic visions to savior of France. Forty full-page color plates by French artist and illustrator O. D. V. Guillonnet enhance historian Frantz Funck-Brentano's highly readable narrative. Originally published in 1912 as part of a series of young adult biographies of French leaders, this beautiful and inspiring book will enchant readers of all ages.

Compiled and translated by Willard Trask, with an historical afterword by Sir Edward Creasy.