Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, Volume 2

by Mark Twain

This fictionalized "biography" told by an intimate companion of Joan of Arc was thought by Mark Twain to be his finest work. It was hugely popular in its time, and while the tastes of subsequent generations may have elevated HUCKLEBERRY FINN and THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER to a higher level, JOAN OF ARC still remains one of Twain's most colorful and passionately-imagined books.

Genres: Biography, Classics, History

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature." His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), with the latter often called the "Great American Novel." Twain also wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894), and co-wrote The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873) with Charles Dudley Warner.

Reviews

[Saman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the writing gets tedious. There is too much emphasis on her innocence and beauty. Otherwise, it's a good read.

[Ian Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really moved by this account of the magnificent but short life of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans.

Although written as a work of fiction, the story is yet historically accurate. Authored by one of the greats of American literature, Mark Twain spent ten years researching and two years writing the story and claims it as his greatest work.

Told from the perspective of one of Joan's close childhood friends who accompanies her throughout her life and career as the Liberatress of France from the oppressive English occupation, one cannot help but empathize with her plight. Betrayed by her king, whom she loved and supported steadfastly to the end and cruelly tortured and executed by the English and their traitorous allies within the Catholic Church, Joan of Arc remains true to herself and her mission, at all times entirely brave and self-sacrificing.

The fact that she was ultimately successful in spite of her destruction only evidences the strength and purity of her aims and her God-given foresight.

Mark Twain is truly a master story teller and Joan of Arc was clearly an obsession which he felt compelled to represent in this story of heroisme and extraordinary character.

The only drawback in reading this version was the number of typographical errors, particularly in the second part of this kindle file. But it was available free of charge from amazon so I cannot complain, just making this fact known. It does not detract from the story, however and I highly recommend reading it.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first books I’ve consumed about Joan of Arc and it was entertaining and enlightening. It flows well (though some parts are slow/redundant) and gives a good taste of Joan’s story for a beginner like me who didn’t know many details beforehand.

Listened to it on LibriVox which made it easier to get through the tedious parts (2x speed!). The narrator’s voice is great aside from his Joan impressions. 😬 In attempting to make her sound sweet and innocent, he makes her sound ditsy and air-headed, which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Overall I was touched by the life of this incredible Maid through Twain’s account, and it led me to reflection on God’s power, His plan, our role in that plan, and the hardness of the disbelieving hearts of men.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Joan of Arc is a great story. Mark Twain's writing however get's a little tedious. It seems that we cover the same material about Joan being innocent, beautiful, forgiving...etc. over and over and over in every chapter again and again. If Twain hadn't belabored the point so badly, I might have enjoyed it more.

[Brian Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly compelling, even though the battles are over and we’re on to the trial. I don’t know what sources Twain used, but you’d think he was there. Less humor in this half for obvious reasons. More great reasons to love the Catholic Church!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twain's style is just not for me. It's so heavy on battle stuff and the men's side of things, as opposed to telling me things about Joan.

[Zbigniew Zdziarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second part of this book is really good. Surprisingly, it is very historically accurate too. Kudos to Twain for doing very thorough research into this amazing character and staying true to her.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What better inspiration for a great storyteller than the most beautiful, modest and controversial French girl general Joan of Arc. Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc is a fascinating story of love, faith and innocence. His own love of history adds not only color but humor in a story of danger, turmoil and massive suffering. I feel sure that he fell in love with pure and humble heroine of the Hundred Years War. She is masterfully portrayed as the flowering bud of innocence that saved the French, put the crown on a French king and paid the ultimate price. Her matter-of-fact certainty of calling inspired her countrymen to think the unthinkable and do the undoable. That’s why I can’t help but think Mark Twain had a love of this heroine of Orleans. He modeled her as the red rose of femininity with the spirit of a stallion and the heart of a lioness. By loosely using scanty fact, she and her time are presented to the reader in a timeless account of a very short life. The story bristled with nonessential scenes and conversations that are pure Twain. At one point he transmits an argument as to the guilt of a man’s stomach if only the head was evil. Although the argument was complete nonsense Twain presented it beautifully. To my amazement this isn’t one of his better known works as I see a man here at the apex of his art. First published in 1896 this book was acclaimed as a masterpiece but was later sorely criticized after the author’s death. I think all criticisms absurd and this book should take its rightful place in American literature. I highly recommend it to all Twain lovers and anyone that loves to believe in the power of the innocent.

[Brent Hartzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I previously had no idea that Mark Twain had penned a book about Joan of Arc. Secondly, I found the story and details about the ascendance of such a magnificent woman to the point of preservation of her country quite remarkable. I am still working to sort out the author's embellishments and the true, known facts of her short, but incredible life. Twain was also not afraid to shy away from strong spiritual undertones relating to this story, because it is difficult to imagine how she accomplished what she did without Providence at her helm. It was a great read.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan of Arc is one of the most incredible historical figures ever. I loved this book. Mark Twain paints a beautiful picture of her character and life. Mark Twain considers it his best work and I agree.

[Titus2teen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I positively love this book. wow is the only the that can describe it. The last part gave me goosebumps and made me cry.
"RESPONSIO MORTIFERA."

[Jon Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this after finishing volume 1. Almost cried when they burned her at the stake. Amazing work. I read that Mark Twain considered it his finest work. I can get behind that.