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The Trial of Joan of Arc
No account is more critical to our understanding of Joan of Arc than the contemporary record of her trial in 1431. Convened at Rouen and directed by bishop Pierre Cauchon, the trial culminated in Joan's public execution for heresy. The trial record, which sometimes preserves Joan's very words, unveils her life, character, visions, and motives in fascinating detail. Here is one of our richest sources for the life of a medieval woman.
This new translation, the first in fifty years, is based on the full record of the trial proceedings in Latin. Recent scholarship dates this text to the year of the trial itself, thereby lending it a greater claim to authority than had traditionally been assumed. Contemporary documents copied into the trial furnish a guide to political developments in Joan's career--from her capture to the attempts to control public opinion following her execution.
Daniel Hobbins sets the trial in its legal and historical context. In exploring Joan's place in fifteenth-century society, he suggests that her claims to divine revelation conformed to a recognizable profile of holy women in her culture, yet Joan broke this mold by embracing a military lifestyle. By combining the roles of visionary and of military leader, Joan astonished contemporaries and still fascinates us today.
Obscured by the passing of centuries and distorted by the lens of modern cinema, the story of the historical Joan of Arc comes vividly to life once again.
This new translation, the first in fifty years, is based on the full record of the trial proceedings in Latin. Recent scholarship dates this text to the year of the trial itself, thereby lending it a greater claim to authority than had traditionally been assumed. Contemporary documents copied into the trial furnish a guide to political developments in Joan's career--from her capture to the attempts to control public opinion following her execution.
Daniel Hobbins sets the trial in its legal and historical context. In exploring Joan's place in fifteenth-century society, he suggests that her claims to divine revelation conformed to a recognizable profile of holy women in her culture, yet Joan broke this mold by embracing a military lifestyle. By combining the roles of visionary and of military leader, Joan astonished contemporaries and still fascinates us today.
Obscured by the passing of centuries and distorted by the lens of modern cinema, the story of the historical Joan of Arc comes vividly to life once again.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 8, 2015
The church officials responsible for trying the Maid of Orleans were keen to leave a detailed record of their investigation. Yes, the Nazis did too, but somehow, this feels different. Why? Because the alternative was so much worse: under the laws of land warfare as they then stood, Commanding Generals normally were ransomed or exchanged. Yet, there was no way Henry VI (England) would have allowed such a charismatic leader to return to France; trial by England's Burgundian allies was the next best alternative to simple murder. So Pierre Cauchon, master of this trial, kept and published careful notes, because he wanted the world to know his process was considerably superior to murder. This book is an English translation of a Latin summary of those notes.
Blasphemy shouldn't be criminal. But, given that it was -- Joan thought so too -- the amazing thing is that Joan probably received due process. She had an opportunity to request counsel (admittedly she could select only from the Prelates), but refused. She was not tortured. She was given endless opportunities to recant, did once, then reverted with a contemptuous 'I never said that'. And her case went, effectively, on appeal to the Faculty of the University of Paris.
Apart from that, the other impression echoing from more than 500 years ago is how an uneducated 19 year-old Maid could tie two dozen of the best educated men in Christendom up in knots with simple answers and denials. At least until the end.
Blasphemy shouldn't be criminal. But, given that it was -- Joan thought so too -- the amazing thing is that Joan probably received due process. She had an opportunity to request counsel (admittedly she could select only from the Prelates), but refused. She was not tortured. She was given endless opportunities to recant, did once, then reverted with a contemptuous 'I never said that'. And her case went, effectively, on appeal to the Faculty of the University of Paris.
Apart from that, the other impression echoing from more than 500 years ago is how an uneducated 19 year-old Maid could tie two dozen of the best educated men in Christendom up in knots with simple answers and denials. At least until the end.
April 9, 2012
Fascinating to read, although hard to get in the right mindset. The introduction was very good and skillfully put together, it served its purpose well. What I was most fascinated to learn, was that Joan was questioned even before the charges were read against her. Upon reading the charges later it seemed quite clear that many of Joan's answers would even be used against her. To me at least it was quite clear that Joan's guilt had been established already before the trial had started.
December 4, 2011
The Trial of Joan of Arc offers a fascinating look into the Middle Ages. The questions that Joan’s judges ask her reveal a lot about the issues that were troubling Church officials at the time. Of course, the English were mainly interested in killing Joan as quickly as possible because she was such an inspiration to her enemies, and taking her to an ecclesiastical court offered them an opportunity to condemn her they would not otherwise have had. (Under the ordinary rules of war, Joan should have been held for ransom, so accusing her of witchcraft was an easy way for the English to avoid giving her back to the French.)
Nonetheless, their questions about her religious upbringing—how much she knew about the faith, whether she believed the correct things, etc.—reflect a real concern about heresy. The Great Schism had recently divided the Church, three different men were claiming to be pope, and real heresies like Lollardy were gaining popularity. The Church was in danger of losing some of its authority.
Other questions the judges pose to Joan reveal the Church’s related concern about witchcraft. Contrary to popular belief, witch burnings were not particularly common in the Middle Ages, but rather a standard feature of later periods like the Renaissance. During Joan’s lifetime, the Church was only just beginning to fear witchcraft and to label actions that had been part of folk culture for generations demonic. Thus the judges ask Joan whether she used to dance around a “fairy tree” near her home, something that would have been viewed as innocuous if foolish in the past, but now determined to be a type of devil-worship. They also ask her quite random questions like, “Where is your mandrake?” without any type of lead-in, clearly hoping to catch her off her guard.
Joan’s clever and sometimes quite saucy responses to these questions are what make her trial transcript such a fun read. She is able to avoid most implications of heresy by giving the “correct” responses and to avoid being labeled a witch by claiming ignorance of any sorcery at all; she does not even know what a mandrake is for, much less does she have one. Even better are her quips in reply to questions like whether St. Margaret spoke English: “Why should she speak English? She is not on the English side.” Or whether St. Michael were naked: “Do you think that Our Lord has not wherewithal to clothe him?” She says her voices told her to “answer boldly,” and she does exactly that, even in the face of threats of torture or death. One does not have to believe that Joan is a saint or even that she heard voices at all to appreciate her great courage and humor. Her trial is a great read for any interested in religion, history, or just a strong heroine.
Nonetheless, their questions about her religious upbringing—how much she knew about the faith, whether she believed the correct things, etc.—reflect a real concern about heresy. The Great Schism had recently divided the Church, three different men were claiming to be pope, and real heresies like Lollardy were gaining popularity. The Church was in danger of losing some of its authority.
Other questions the judges pose to Joan reveal the Church’s related concern about witchcraft. Contrary to popular belief, witch burnings were not particularly common in the Middle Ages, but rather a standard feature of later periods like the Renaissance. During Joan’s lifetime, the Church was only just beginning to fear witchcraft and to label actions that had been part of folk culture for generations demonic. Thus the judges ask Joan whether she used to dance around a “fairy tree” near her home, something that would have been viewed as innocuous if foolish in the past, but now determined to be a type of devil-worship. They also ask her quite random questions like, “Where is your mandrake?” without any type of lead-in, clearly hoping to catch her off her guard.
Joan’s clever and sometimes quite saucy responses to these questions are what make her trial transcript such a fun read. She is able to avoid most implications of heresy by giving the “correct” responses and to avoid being labeled a witch by claiming ignorance of any sorcery at all; she does not even know what a mandrake is for, much less does she have one. Even better are her quips in reply to questions like whether St. Margaret spoke English: “Why should she speak English? She is not on the English side.” Or whether St. Michael were naked: “Do you think that Our Lord has not wherewithal to clothe him?” She says her voices told her to “answer boldly,” and she does exactly that, even in the face of threats of torture or death. One does not have to believe that Joan is a saint or even that she heard voices at all to appreciate her great courage and humor. Her trial is a great read for any interested in religion, history, or just a strong heroine.
September 29, 2024
Exactly as I imagined reading 15th century trial documents. Most of the enjoyment comes from trying to get a grasp on how Joan's mental state throughout the trial. She had to know she was screwed right? If you read the book it will be impossible not to notice the lists of names of experts appearing in the trial each day. The lady was 19 had like 20-30 people admonishing her and questioning her for what by all accounts was an already decided trial. It's pretty crazy.
I never knew her whole run only lasted 2 years, including the trial.
It was a good read.
I never knew her whole run only lasted 2 years, including the trial.
It was a good read.
Read
November 2, 2022i read this a million times over to prepare for a class debate so i figured i should let it count for my goodreads goal and help me beat tanner
January 21, 2025
I did not think it was possible to love Joan of Arc more but here we are.
February 17, 2023
Read this for school. Full disclosure did not read the whole book but read the major parts.
January 13, 2023
Even for the most diehard Joan of Arc fans out there, reading medieval legalese isn't exactly fun. To read any translation of the trial of Joan of Arc is a labor of love for many of us devotees, whether we're Joan stans or Hundred Years War scholars.
But I give the three stars because Daniel Hobbins renders a faithful and readable translation, and while trial proceedings aren't going to have any reader rolling in the aisles, there are moments when you read Joan's sparkling wit and you can't help but smile and cheer.
Reading a good biography of Joan--I recommend Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured--while reading the trial will help you read between the lines. The trial was never fair. The judges broke promises, pulled nasty tricks, and were paradoxical even in their lines of questioning. For example, how can you condemn Joan for believing in what the judges call evil spirits...but also condemn her for jumping out of the tower in Beaurevoir because those same 'evil spirits' told her not to? You can't have it both ways.
And yet Joan's strength of character, humor, and faith shines through. Even as a Jewish woman, I can't help but admire and love her for the gifts she gave all humanity.
But I give the three stars because Daniel Hobbins renders a faithful and readable translation, and while trial proceedings aren't going to have any reader rolling in the aisles, there are moments when you read Joan's sparkling wit and you can't help but smile and cheer.
Reading a good biography of Joan--I recommend Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured--while reading the trial will help you read between the lines. The trial was never fair. The judges broke promises, pulled nasty tricks, and were paradoxical even in their lines of questioning. For example, how can you condemn Joan for believing in what the judges call evil spirits...but also condemn her for jumping out of the tower in Beaurevoir because those same 'evil spirits' told her not to? You can't have it both ways.
And yet Joan's strength of character, humor, and faith shines through. Even as a Jewish woman, I can't help but admire and love her for the gifts she gave all humanity.
July 5, 2014
Joan of Arc is one of my favorite figures in history. Very few people who I study regularly still elicit strong emotions from me. And yet, no matter how I study Joan, I never fail to get angry at the judges, mad at Charles, and generally awed by Joan's bravery and strength.
Reading the trial transcripts really brought home for me in a surprisingly new way just how unjust everything about this trial was. Certainly, this is not news (What?!? Joan's trial was unfair? You're kidding!). But seeing how oily the priests slip from "You are honoring demons; they aren't really St. Catherine or St. Margaret" to "You disobeyed your saints when you jumped from the tower!" with zero irony attached really points out just how harsh the treatment was. No wonder she temporarily recanted. No wonder we still care. Reading the trial, even though it was written by her accusers, really made Joan a person I could understand. Even the translator, in the introduction, tries to defend her accusers by suggesting that the trial, which led to her fiery death, was an attempt to save her. When will we learn?
Reading the trial transcripts really brought home for me in a surprisingly new way just how unjust everything about this trial was. Certainly, this is not news (What?!? Joan's trial was unfair? You're kidding!). But seeing how oily the priests slip from "You are honoring demons; they aren't really St. Catherine or St. Margaret" to "You disobeyed your saints when you jumped from the tower!" with zero irony attached really points out just how harsh the treatment was. No wonder she temporarily recanted. No wonder we still care. Reading the trial, even though it was written by her accusers, really made Joan a person I could understand. Even the translator, in the introduction, tries to defend her accusers by suggesting that the trial, which led to her fiery death, was an attempt to save her. When will we learn?
May 5, 2023
The Trial of Joan of Arc provides a fascinating translation of the minutes and texts surrounding the titular figure’s examination at the hands of ecclesiastical authorities. The trial took part in the later phase of the Hundred Years War between England and France.
Overall, the book is a painstaking compilation of primary sources. It offers a view of the girl who stood up to her inquisitors that is quite different from what we often find in popular culture. What struck me most while reading the texts and transcripts was how Joan posed not only a political threat to English ambitions in France, but how she also threatened the ecclesiastical authority of the Church.
Before reading The Trial of Joan of Arc, I’d assumed that the examination against Joan had been a purely political trial, like those of the People’s Court of the Nazis or the show trials at the height of Stalin’s successive purges, and that she was burned at the stake simply based on a scriptural technicality relating to the prohibition of women wearing men’s clothing. However, it is clear from the questions they asked the young woman from Domrémy that she represented just as much of a threat to papal authority as she did to the English.
Throughout her trial, Joan of Arc insisted that she was a humble servant of God and that the voices she heard were direct decrees from the Christian deity. But she was much more than that. By her own testimony—and much to her peril—Joan claimed the ability to divine God’s intentions. This put her in direct conflict with the Church since, according to papal authority, the pope was God’s representative on Earth and only he could receive instruction from the deity. There are numerous examples throughout the transcripts where Joan claimed to have consulted God on not only military matters—for which she’s most commonly known—but also in matters of papal politics. Much like the Christian mystics and ascetics of early antiquity, we learn in the book that people wrote letters to Joan soliciting her advice on spiritual matters. She corresponded with everyone from commoners to the king of France. It is through these correspondences that she sometimes came into conflict with the Church. One such letter from the Count of Armagnac asked her which pope she believed to be the true leader of the Church, given that the Great Schism had produced parallel papacies, each headed by their own pope. This was a period of upheaval within the Church, and it is not difficult to imagine that interference from a peasant girl would have been deeply resented.
But it was her choice of clothing that underscored the greatest threat she posed to the Church. One of the more serious of her alleged heresies involved her habit of cutting her hair in the style of a man and wearing men’s clothing, both of which stood in violation of Biblical scripture, specifically the Book of Deuteronomy. Much of the ordinary trial focuses on this issue. This was not just a technicality used to execute a political opponent. Joan declared during her trial that she wore men’s garments “by God’s leave” and that she would only set them aside if God commanded it. The threat to the Church was never simply that she wore men’s clothing; it was that she claimed God ordered her to do it. This implied that scripture, the foundation of Church authority, could be wrong and that someone other than the pope had access to the divine. It would give the claimant power to question Church doctrine, thus threatening the Church’s monopoly on its religious authority from which it drew its power and wealth. This is why she was charged with “actions fracturing the unity, authority, and power of the Church.” Moreover, Joan remained defiant in the face of the Church’s might. She even went so far as to threaten her inquisitors: “You say that you are my judge. Take care what you do, for in truth I am sent from God, and you put yourself in great peril.”
Even through the remoteness of the transcripts, we find a strong and determined young woman, who never backed down in the face of incredible pressure. That is why I doubt the authenticity of her recantation at the end of the book. The words within do not read like words of a peasant girl who’d stood up to months of imprisonment and harsh questioning.
In short, The Trial of Joan of Arc is a fascinating read that changed my view as to why she was executed. She was just as much a threat to the Church as she was to the English.
Overall, the book is a painstaking compilation of primary sources. It offers a view of the girl who stood up to her inquisitors that is quite different from what we often find in popular culture. What struck me most while reading the texts and transcripts was how Joan posed not only a political threat to English ambitions in France, but how she also threatened the ecclesiastical authority of the Church.
Before reading The Trial of Joan of Arc, I’d assumed that the examination against Joan had been a purely political trial, like those of the People’s Court of the Nazis or the show trials at the height of Stalin’s successive purges, and that she was burned at the stake simply based on a scriptural technicality relating to the prohibition of women wearing men’s clothing. However, it is clear from the questions they asked the young woman from Domrémy that she represented just as much of a threat to papal authority as she did to the English.
Throughout her trial, Joan of Arc insisted that she was a humble servant of God and that the voices she heard were direct decrees from the Christian deity. But she was much more than that. By her own testimony—and much to her peril—Joan claimed the ability to divine God’s intentions. This put her in direct conflict with the Church since, according to papal authority, the pope was God’s representative on Earth and only he could receive instruction from the deity. There are numerous examples throughout the transcripts where Joan claimed to have consulted God on not only military matters—for which she’s most commonly known—but also in matters of papal politics. Much like the Christian mystics and ascetics of early antiquity, we learn in the book that people wrote letters to Joan soliciting her advice on spiritual matters. She corresponded with everyone from commoners to the king of France. It is through these correspondences that she sometimes came into conflict with the Church. One such letter from the Count of Armagnac asked her which pope she believed to be the true leader of the Church, given that the Great Schism had produced parallel papacies, each headed by their own pope. This was a period of upheaval within the Church, and it is not difficult to imagine that interference from a peasant girl would have been deeply resented.
But it was her choice of clothing that underscored the greatest threat she posed to the Church. One of the more serious of her alleged heresies involved her habit of cutting her hair in the style of a man and wearing men’s clothing, both of which stood in violation of Biblical scripture, specifically the Book of Deuteronomy. Much of the ordinary trial focuses on this issue. This was not just a technicality used to execute a political opponent. Joan declared during her trial that she wore men’s garments “by God’s leave” and that she would only set them aside if God commanded it. The threat to the Church was never simply that she wore men’s clothing; it was that she claimed God ordered her to do it. This implied that scripture, the foundation of Church authority, could be wrong and that someone other than the pope had access to the divine. It would give the claimant power to question Church doctrine, thus threatening the Church’s monopoly on its religious authority from which it drew its power and wealth. This is why she was charged with “actions fracturing the unity, authority, and power of the Church.” Moreover, Joan remained defiant in the face of the Church’s might. She even went so far as to threaten her inquisitors: “You say that you are my judge. Take care what you do, for in truth I am sent from God, and you put yourself in great peril.”
Even through the remoteness of the transcripts, we find a strong and determined young woman, who never backed down in the face of incredible pressure. That is why I doubt the authenticity of her recantation at the end of the book. The words within do not read like words of a peasant girl who’d stood up to months of imprisonment and harsh questioning.
In short, The Trial of Joan of Arc is a fascinating read that changed my view as to why she was executed. She was just as much a threat to the Church as she was to the English.
October 23, 2020
The Trial of Joan of Arc is an amazing account of what Joan of Arc went through before her capture, when she was captured and the subsequent prepatory and ordinary trial and condemnation she faced. What I found most interesting about the trial is how far we as historians forget that Joan was a 19-20 year old girl in a society that had a specific role for women yet she choose to do something about it.
Additionally. the way in which the trial is conduct tells you a lot about how the English and the clergy viewed Joan and her voices. which brings me to my next point. The voices of Joan are still suspect even till this day. Did she actually hear from God? Was she schizophrenic? These questions are ones that historians wrestle with and while reading, I found myself at times rooting for and against some of Joan's actions and behaviors (i.e. the manner in which she conducted herself.)
Overall though, the book was amazing and one that I think lawyers and people interested in her trial should read.
Additionally. the way in which the trial is conduct tells you a lot about how the English and the clergy viewed Joan and her voices. which brings me to my next point. The voices of Joan are still suspect even till this day. Did she actually hear from God? Was she schizophrenic? These questions are ones that historians wrestle with and while reading, I found myself at times rooting for and against some of Joan's actions and behaviors (i.e. the manner in which she conducted herself.)
Overall though, the book was amazing and one that I think lawyers and people interested in her trial should read.
June 7, 2025
What a beautiful, fiery soul in a dark period in time. At age 19, she did what I never could imagine myself doing—following her visions out of anger towards injustice, and belief that she could do well to serve God through the revelations that she experienced, and to save her people from the war. At the risk of facing the consequences of battle, subversion of politics and power, and eventually betraying the voices she claimed were sent from God, she carried through with strength and grace, despite being afraid of so many things and having nobody by her side throughout her prosecution. This book appears to be a dry read at first, but it becomes clear that there was an agenda for processing her trial to move towards execution. I was so angry throughout, that the Catholic Church could have this much control over what she wore, how she experienced the holy ghost, and how she behaved as a woman in the medieval period. This was such a powerful book, and in my opinion, a great first step for an introspective reader when discovering more about Joan's life.
February 9, 2018
This book is mostly just a translation of the actual transcript of the trial of Joan of Arc. The author's only creative contribution is the 30+ page introduction. If I were to give the introduction a review, I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars. After reading through the entire trial and aftermath, I did not feel free to give this anything other than 5 stars. It is such a tremendously powerful story. Mr. Hobbins' introduction, while informative, was simply too academic and stale to be paired with the life of Joan of Arc. As historians sometimes do, the author had a way of explaining the historical situation in a way that seemed to detract from or belittle the obvious initial reaction of - this is absolutely one of the most astonishing, outlandish, improbable, impressive and motivational events accomplished by any human gracing planet Earth.
Even though I wasn't over the moon with the author's introduction, I am very, very appreciative to have this translation. Thank you sir.
Even though I wasn't over the moon with the author's introduction, I am very, very appreciative to have this translation. Thank you sir.
July 9, 2025
Joan of Arc’s trial humanizes her short life.
At 16 she abandoned home, approached the prince in a failing war promising him the kingdom if he would supply her with an army. She won battles, most notably at Orlean, but failed to take Paris. Once captured by the English the Catholic Church pressed for an inquisition under canon law (distinct from civil law) for her claims of visions and visitations of the angels of saints.
The trial revealed to me with my context and understanding of the world that she was a normal, young, potentially trans, person trying to survive the world she was born into with the tools available to her. She held firmly to her story until being threatened with death, but once back in prison and faced with the choice of death or perpetual imprisonment, death was more appealing.
It does make one wonder, had the English won in the long term if she would have ever become a saint of the Catholic Church or if she would be long forgotten.
At 16 she abandoned home, approached the prince in a failing war promising him the kingdom if he would supply her with an army. She won battles, most notably at Orlean, but failed to take Paris. Once captured by the English the Catholic Church pressed for an inquisition under canon law (distinct from civil law) for her claims of visions and visitations of the angels of saints.
The trial revealed to me with my context and understanding of the world that she was a normal, young, potentially trans, person trying to survive the world she was born into with the tools available to her. She held firmly to her story until being threatened with death, but once back in prison and faced with the choice of death or perpetual imprisonment, death was more appealing.
It does make one wonder, had the English won in the long term if she would have ever become a saint of the Catholic Church or if she would be long forgotten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
The forward by the author is good, the trial itself is just so dull and repetitive that reading it was a slog and cannot recommend it, though I imagine we are all here because it's a textbook for a class (I know that is why I am here) I thought I was interested in Joan of Arc and was looking forward to this book. That ended two pages into the trial notes. Unless you have to read this, look elsewhere. It's the real court documents in English though if you really want to read those for some reason, the translation seems well researched idk good sleeping material for insomniacs that's about all I can recommend it for. Three stars is for the forward. Zero stars for the rest, made me grateful for modern courts so that is something I guess
February 17, 2023
A 19 year old who cannot read or write wreaks absolute havoc on arguably the most educated people of the time. This is probably my favorite “historical text” because somehow (even though the church had absolutely no reason to do this), the writing still makes Joan of Arc sound like the hero of the story. (Also this had a great introduction).
April 15, 2020
So sad and strange to read, but really powerful.
April 26, 2021
Great detailed account of Joan’s trial. I wish there was more of an analysis though!
December 10, 2022
A good starting place to understand the story of Joan of Arc. The truth of the story, however is found in the Retrial of Joan of Arc.
February 5, 2024
free my girl she did nothing wrong
November 26, 2024
I did enjoy this- and I'm not just saying that because my professor wrote it :)
December 10, 2024
i would ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ for her
February 6, 2025
morrissey did NOT know how she felt 😒
June 18, 2025
Very accurate.
December 19, 2025
“I fear displeasing the voices more than I fear answering you.”
December 20, 2025
Maddening.
January 16, 2021
This book can be tedious unless you want to know every fact recorded about the trial..just so happens I did want to know. And eat up every word ever written about her.
The book is well written and worth its price.
The book is well written and worth its price.
February 9, 2017
I can't review a translation of a trial record on literary merit - so I'll simply leave my thoughts and observations after reading it.
Joan's trial was meticulously documented. She was, at this time, famous across Europe and her judges were very concerned about appearing impartial. In fact if you accept that being schismatic or blasphemous is a crime, which of course most of us wouldn't, the trial proceedings are remarkably fair. Daniel Hobbins, in his introduction, even suggests bishop Pierre Cauchon may have been trying to save Joan from certain death at the hands of a military tribunal. It's certainly an intriguing idea that goes against the classic image of venal religious authorities leveraging a corrupt justice system against a doomed peasant girl.
Regardless of whether it was the Church or pressure from secular authority, what happened to Joan was tragic. I got the feeling that her vacillation at the end of the trial was perhaps due to deteriorating health. She mentions she may die of illness in one interrogation. Her answers during this period lack the spark and savvy they are so famous for. I didn't know she admitted her voices misled her before her execution (if the addendum to the trial records is to be believed). It depressed me that someone who showed such strength of character during the trial may have broken at the very end.
As a final note I found the questions regarding a certain tree in Joan's native village of Domrémy to be interesting. Joan called it the Fairies' Tree and disclosed that some in her village traveled there to cure their ailments. I think it points to the sometimes uneasy relationship between Christianity and old pagan beliefs that existed in much of medieval Europe. The trial transcript has other invaluable details about what a rural medieval upbringing might look like.
Joan's trial was meticulously documented. She was, at this time, famous across Europe and her judges were very concerned about appearing impartial. In fact if you accept that being schismatic or blasphemous is a crime, which of course most of us wouldn't, the trial proceedings are remarkably fair. Daniel Hobbins, in his introduction, even suggests bishop Pierre Cauchon may have been trying to save Joan from certain death at the hands of a military tribunal. It's certainly an intriguing idea that goes against the classic image of venal religious authorities leveraging a corrupt justice system against a doomed peasant girl.
Regardless of whether it was the Church or pressure from secular authority, what happened to Joan was tragic. I got the feeling that her vacillation at the end of the trial was perhaps due to deteriorating health. She mentions she may die of illness in one interrogation. Her answers during this period lack the spark and savvy they are so famous for. I didn't know she admitted her voices misled her before her execution (if the addendum to the trial records is to be believed). It depressed me that someone who showed such strength of character during the trial may have broken at the very end.
As a final note I found the questions regarding a certain tree in Joan's native village of Domrémy to be interesting. Joan called it the Fairies' Tree and disclosed that some in her village traveled there to cure their ailments. I think it points to the sometimes uneasy relationship between Christianity and old pagan beliefs that existed in much of medieval Europe. The trial transcript has other invaluable details about what a rural medieval upbringing might look like.
June 22, 2024
9/10 — It is amazing how you can already know the ending, and yet still feel stunned when it arrives. It sometimes feels more like I am reading a storybook or legend than a historical document.
April 11, 2013
This primary source work on the Trial of Joan of Arc done by Daniel Hobbins is superb. The introduction is a nice set-up and provides background into the court structure of 14th Century France, and addresses issues that may have arisen.
It is incredibly fascinating to me how mysticism was viewed as poor form by the Church at this time. Today, a primary form of mystic expression, the Rosary is heavily practiced and personal conversations with God are encouraged. However, Joan's mystic experiences seemed to have been fueled by the 100 Years War and the English/French tensions. The English Crown needed her persecuted to de-legitimize her actions and the French. It is funny to see the Court tear apart her visions of the crowning of the French King. Courts also function differently, in that the Court record is not a word for word record, but rather a reflection of the day's events. This can obviously lead to bias or swaying so that the correct side is portrayed. Finally, in the end the Church and the Courts try to persuade Joan to turn away from her past and even give her a complete option for redemption, something that is not apparent in Courts today.
All in all, an excellent work!
It is incredibly fascinating to me how mysticism was viewed as poor form by the Church at this time. Today, a primary form of mystic expression, the Rosary is heavily practiced and personal conversations with God are encouraged. However, Joan's mystic experiences seemed to have been fueled by the 100 Years War and the English/French tensions. The English Crown needed her persecuted to de-legitimize her actions and the French. It is funny to see the Court tear apart her visions of the crowning of the French King. Courts also function differently, in that the Court record is not a word for word record, but rather a reflection of the day's events. This can obviously lead to bias or swaying so that the correct side is portrayed. Finally, in the end the Church and the Courts try to persuade Joan to turn away from her past and even give her a complete option for redemption, something that is not apparent in Courts today.
All in all, an excellent work!
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