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Joan of Arc: A Military Leader
Why did French soldiers follow a woman into battle and why did she win? This history of Joan focuses less on the religious and feminine issues in favour of an appraisal of the young woman's remarkable military and leadership prowess. The inclusion of schematics, maps and contemporary documents set her actions squarely within the context of the Hundred Years' War. Joan's campaign survived only three years, from 1428 to 1430, and the war continued for another 23 years after her capture but DeVries' clear and vivid account makes clear Joan's legacy. She inspired the French by demonstrating that the English could be beaten and she adversely affected the English campaign by capturing several leaders and holding them to ransom. Numerous photographs, diagrams and contemporary illustrations are used to good effect.
242 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 1999
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224 people want to read
About the author
Kelly DeVries
67 books11 followersKelly DeVries (born December 23, 1956) is an American historian specializing in the warfare of the Middle Ages. He is often featured as an expert commentator on television documentaries. He is professor of history at Loyola University Maryland and Honorary Historical Consultant at the Royal Armouries, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 28, 2020
This is an insightful examination of Joan as a military leader, and it also serves as an overview of the Hundred Years war. DeVries makes good use of quotes from the primary sources to give you an authentic look into what people said about Joan, including English and Burgundian writers who had less favorable things in mind. On the whole, she comes across as a remarkable woman who must have had great charisma, determination and physical courage. When she was accepted into the French court she spent several months learning how to ride and fight, and her dedication in learning martial skills was not lost on contemporaries. DeVries also thinks its possible she learned artillery tactics because she was a commoner and could more easily mix with soldiers of low birth. In any case, you get the sense that French soldiers of all classes were impressed by her belief in the cause.
Joan's first success was at the siege of Orleans, followed by other victories against English forces occupying towns on the Loire and an English relief force at Patay. Why were the French suddenly so successful after years of defeat? There doesn't seem to be a clear answer. The English often had excellent defensive positions and were skilled gunners and longbowmen, things which would seem to tilt the scales in their favor. In these battles, however, it wasn't enough. Joan took a very direct approach and often led frontal assaults with support from French gunners. At Patay, the French army was able to overwhelm the English rearguard before they could get into ambush position, thus allowing them to overrun the better part of the English army.
As an aside, DeVries seems to make a clear point in this book about the prevalence of gunpowder weapons in late medieval warfare. This is usually something that is emphasized in military history a century later, but DeVries has argued elsewhere that there was a military evolution as a result of gunpowder weapons rather than a sudden revolution in the 16th century. In some of the sieges discussed in the book medieval fortifications were able to withstand cannon fire, hence the need to "evolve" cannons further.
Joan secured the coronation of the Dauphin as a result of her early victories but from there her career went into decline, mostly for political reasons. The French king and his advisor Tremoille wanted to pursue a diplomatic offensive rather than a military one, and so the latter saw to it that Joan was sidelined at court. After a defeat outside the gates of Paris, she was sent to deal with Tremoille's personal enemy, Pierre Gressart, who was a mercenary captain with his own personal fiefdom (he had once kidnapped Tremoille and held him for ransom). Joan and the French were badly supplied and only managed to take one of Gressart's several fortified towns. At this point, you get the feeling that Joan was out of her depth when dealing with court politics. Her directness and humble origins were probably a compelling novelty at first, but once the court decided her belligerence was a liability, they treated her like an errand girl. One imagines that fighting in a private feud with a mercenary captain was not part of her vision to rescue France.
After this disappointment, a less naive or less dedicated woman might have returned home to enjoy the ennobled status granted to her family. Unfortunately Joan rode into yet another battle at Compiegne and was captured by the Burgundians. She was then sold to the English for a hefty sum, put on trial for heresy, and burned at the stake. The only major flaw of this book is that it doesn't have much to say about Joan's trial. The verdict was eventually overturned after a nullification trial was authorized by the pope, and, happily for us, this second trial involved interviewing Joan's contemporaries and preserving their memories of her for posterity.
Although DeVries shies away from the sort of hero worship that would suggest Joan single-handedly turned the tide of the Hundred Years war, he definitely thinks she was an important and inspiring player at a critical time for France.
Joan's first success was at the siege of Orleans, followed by other victories against English forces occupying towns on the Loire and an English relief force at Patay. Why were the French suddenly so successful after years of defeat? There doesn't seem to be a clear answer. The English often had excellent defensive positions and were skilled gunners and longbowmen, things which would seem to tilt the scales in their favor. In these battles, however, it wasn't enough. Joan took a very direct approach and often led frontal assaults with support from French gunners. At Patay, the French army was able to overwhelm the English rearguard before they could get into ambush position, thus allowing them to overrun the better part of the English army.
As an aside, DeVries seems to make a clear point in this book about the prevalence of gunpowder weapons in late medieval warfare. This is usually something that is emphasized in military history a century later, but DeVries has argued elsewhere that there was a military evolution as a result of gunpowder weapons rather than a sudden revolution in the 16th century. In some of the sieges discussed in the book medieval fortifications were able to withstand cannon fire, hence the need to "evolve" cannons further.
Joan secured the coronation of the Dauphin as a result of her early victories but from there her career went into decline, mostly for political reasons. The French king and his advisor Tremoille wanted to pursue a diplomatic offensive rather than a military one, and so the latter saw to it that Joan was sidelined at court. After a defeat outside the gates of Paris, she was sent to deal with Tremoille's personal enemy, Pierre Gressart, who was a mercenary captain with his own personal fiefdom (he had once kidnapped Tremoille and held him for ransom). Joan and the French were badly supplied and only managed to take one of Gressart's several fortified towns. At this point, you get the feeling that Joan was out of her depth when dealing with court politics. Her directness and humble origins were probably a compelling novelty at first, but once the court decided her belligerence was a liability, they treated her like an errand girl. One imagines that fighting in a private feud with a mercenary captain was not part of her vision to rescue France.
After this disappointment, a less naive or less dedicated woman might have returned home to enjoy the ennobled status granted to her family. Unfortunately Joan rode into yet another battle at Compiegne and was captured by the Burgundians. She was then sold to the English for a hefty sum, put on trial for heresy, and burned at the stake. The only major flaw of this book is that it doesn't have much to say about Joan's trial. The verdict was eventually overturned after a nullification trial was authorized by the pope, and, happily for us, this second trial involved interviewing Joan's contemporaries and preserving their memories of her for posterity.
Although DeVries shies away from the sort of hero worship that would suggest Joan single-handedly turned the tide of the Hundred Years war, he definitely thinks she was an important and inspiring player at a critical time for France.
June 26, 2008
Discussion of how a scrap of a girl defeated the English army (for a time).
June 11, 2019
Joan of Arc is as much a mythological figure as historical, mainly because she lived a short but tragic (and memorable) life; Joan was burned at the stake by the English for heresy, (she heard voices from God that moved her into battle), almost 600 years ago. Kelly Devries’ Joan of Arc: A Military Leader is unique among the books that try to bring Joan of Arc to life and bust the myths, given the book’s focus is on Joan as a military leader—her actions and strategies on the battlefield. Much has been written about Joan’s life, based mainly upon two (French) sources that were written about Joan approximately thirty years after her death. Yet Devries’ military biography reveals much about Joan starting with her motivation for her mission—revealed according to Joan, through voices from God. Devries begins the book with two chapters that sets the context, the politics of France in early 1400s, and though the chapters are challenging to get through, they’re necessary as they give the background to Joan’s military exploits, which were smack in the middle of the 100 years war. This war encompassed numerous battles across Europe, which in France included not only the occupation of the English, but a civil war that was going on between two factions within the French royal family, the House of Orleans (the Armagnacs) and the House of Burgundy (the Burgundians).
Yet as you get through the necessary background, (which is supported with a few maps of Joan’s travels), I found it remarkable, that at the age of fourteen, Joan was convinced of her mission to free France from English occupation of regions throughout France and see that the Charles VII be crowned as King of France, and was driven to lead fearlessly into battles (though many men’s lives were lost that might have been prevented with more strategic tactics) to see it to the end. She was tenacious, committed to her mission, and she endured much as a very young woman, who died for her cause at the age of 19. Joan of Arc: A Military Leader does reveal though how Joan really had few skills in military tactics, yet it was her convictions and strong leadership that made her followers be led into battle. Also, the story highlights (dramatically) how religion was the driving force in society in the 1400s (during all of the Middle Ages), dictating political decisions and societal norms. Yet after the King of France was crowned, Joan of Arc wasn’t recognized for her contributions, was imprisoned for heresy and sold to the English, who burned her at the stake. It seems she was sentenced to death because she refused to wear women’s clothes, more a reason than for heresy, and though the book doesn’t go into her trials and death, it does tell the story well—the story of a remarkable teenager who took on the role of solider with a cause she was willing to die for.
Yet as you get through the necessary background, (which is supported with a few maps of Joan’s travels), I found it remarkable, that at the age of fourteen, Joan was convinced of her mission to free France from English occupation of regions throughout France and see that the Charles VII be crowned as King of France, and was driven to lead fearlessly into battles (though many men’s lives were lost that might have been prevented with more strategic tactics) to see it to the end. She was tenacious, committed to her mission, and she endured much as a very young woman, who died for her cause at the age of 19. Joan of Arc: A Military Leader does reveal though how Joan really had few skills in military tactics, yet it was her convictions and strong leadership that made her followers be led into battle. Also, the story highlights (dramatically) how religion was the driving force in society in the 1400s (during all of the Middle Ages), dictating political decisions and societal norms. Yet after the King of France was crowned, Joan of Arc wasn’t recognized for her contributions, was imprisoned for heresy and sold to the English, who burned her at the stake. It seems she was sentenced to death because she refused to wear women’s clothes, more a reason than for heresy, and though the book doesn’t go into her trials and death, it does tell the story well—the story of a remarkable teenager who took on the role of solider with a cause she was willing to die for.
August 19, 2019
I wanted to read a biography of Joan of Arc and this was the one in the library I could grab. It had other elements of her life besides the military and purports to focus on something few have. I appreciated thinking about her military skills, but am not sure DeVries made a strong argument that she was a specific kind of military leader or that this is a significant part of her legacy.
December 9, 2011
So far, quite boring. Lots of French military history and not enough about Joan. I realize the history is key in understanding her story, but there is one so much one can take =P
The goal given by this author is pretty simple. His biography is to examine Joan’s military expertise and genius, ignoring whether or not she was from God. How did a 17-18 year old free Orleans and crown the dauphin? How did a simple peasant maid throw the might of England into chaos? DeVries relies heavily on quotes and memories from the day, making the history as accurate as possible
The author of this book, Kelly DeVries, is a well known historical biographer and professor. He has his BA, MA, and PhD in Medieval Studies. His specialty is warfare in the middle ages and he has written and edited over a dozen books, of which Joan of Arc was his second. He teaches at Loyola University in Maryland and is frequently interviewed on the History Channel.
Though the premise of his biography sounds very interesting, I did not think he lived up to it very well. He goes into detailed explanations about every battle, including ones before Joan showed up on the scene, but when he talks about Joan as a military commander, it isn’t very clear. He muses about where she got her military experience, talks about her location and occasionally actions in the battles, but I didn’t find his analyzing very specific. He repeatedly states that he is not going to look into whether or not Joan was called by God, but I think he did more of that then her military history! Though it is not his conclusion, I came away from the book with the idea that you cannot talk about what Joan did without realizing the marvel of the fact that she was a 17 year old peasant girl who claimed to be called by God, and somehow led an army to victory numerous times.
History buff Scott Manning declares , quote “This book is not without its issues. DeVries does not always stay focused. The first three pages of the chapter entitled “A Military Mission?” are dedicated to determining what Joan looked like including topics like her hair color and whether her fellow soldiers found her attractive (pp. 29-31). It is interesting, but does not add to the topic of her military mission. There are only four maps tossed in with the other plates and they offer no details on the battles themselves. Also missing are details on fighting techniques and weapons. DeVries relies almost entirely on contemporary testimonies and often inserts his analysis in between large block quotes restricting the reader to only the knowledge provided from medieval texts on the battles.
Manning concludes positively, “Joan of Arc: A Military Leader is a unique book and it does accomplish its goal of portraying Joan as a soldier while ignoring virtually everything else. Those interested in this aspect of Joan will find it a scholarly book by a man who is not interested in finding feministic qualities or theological principles in the story. Instead, they will find a well-researched book that relies heavily on primary sources to depict Joan’s action, but they will want more in terms of analysis of the battles and fighting techniques.” End quote
There really isn’t much more to say. The book was dry, but occasionally interesting. If you really like detailed explanations of battles in the Middle Ages, go for it, but otherwise I didn’t enjoy it that much.
The goal given by this author is pretty simple. His biography is to examine Joan’s military expertise and genius, ignoring whether or not she was from God. How did a 17-18 year old free Orleans and crown the dauphin? How did a simple peasant maid throw the might of England into chaos? DeVries relies heavily on quotes and memories from the day, making the history as accurate as possible
The author of this book, Kelly DeVries, is a well known historical biographer and professor. He has his BA, MA, and PhD in Medieval Studies. His specialty is warfare in the middle ages and he has written and edited over a dozen books, of which Joan of Arc was his second. He teaches at Loyola University in Maryland and is frequently interviewed on the History Channel.
Though the premise of his biography sounds very interesting, I did not think he lived up to it very well. He goes into detailed explanations about every battle, including ones before Joan showed up on the scene, but when he talks about Joan as a military commander, it isn’t very clear. He muses about where she got her military experience, talks about her location and occasionally actions in the battles, but I didn’t find his analyzing very specific. He repeatedly states that he is not going to look into whether or not Joan was called by God, but I think he did more of that then her military history! Though it is not his conclusion, I came away from the book with the idea that you cannot talk about what Joan did without realizing the marvel of the fact that she was a 17 year old peasant girl who claimed to be called by God, and somehow led an army to victory numerous times.
History buff Scott Manning declares , quote “This book is not without its issues. DeVries does not always stay focused. The first three pages of the chapter entitled “A Military Mission?” are dedicated to determining what Joan looked like including topics like her hair color and whether her fellow soldiers found her attractive (pp. 29-31). It is interesting, but does not add to the topic of her military mission. There are only four maps tossed in with the other plates and they offer no details on the battles themselves. Also missing are details on fighting techniques and weapons. DeVries relies almost entirely on contemporary testimonies and often inserts his analysis in between large block quotes restricting the reader to only the knowledge provided from medieval texts on the battles.
Manning concludes positively, “Joan of Arc: A Military Leader is a unique book and it does accomplish its goal of portraying Joan as a soldier while ignoring virtually everything else. Those interested in this aspect of Joan will find it a scholarly book by a man who is not interested in finding feministic qualities or theological principles in the story. Instead, they will find a well-researched book that relies heavily on primary sources to depict Joan’s action, but they will want more in terms of analysis of the battles and fighting techniques.” End quote
There really isn’t much more to say. The book was dry, but occasionally interesting. If you really like detailed explanations of battles in the Middle Ages, go for it, but otherwise I didn’t enjoy it that much.
July 5, 2024
"Joan of Arc: A Military Leader" by Kelly DeVries is a compelling and insightful exploration of the military prowess and strategic acumen displayed by one of history's most iconic figures. The book delves into Joan of Arc's remarkable leadership during the Hundred Years' War, offering a detailed analysis of her tactical decisions, battlefield engagements, and enduring impact on warfare.
DeVries skillfully navigates through historical accounts to present an in-depth portrayal of Joan as a visionary commander who defied gender norms and rallied troops with unwavering conviction. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, he brings to life the complexities surrounding Joan's military campaigns while shedding light on her role in shaping medieval warfare.
This captivating work not only celebrates Joan’s extraordinary achievements but also provides valuable insights into the challenges she faced as a female leader in a male-dominated domain. DeVries’ expertise shines through his nuanced examination, making this book essential reading for anyone interested in military history or women’s contributions to war efforts.
In "Joan of Arc: A Military Leader," Kelly DeVries delivers an engrossing account that honors its subject with reverence while enriching our understanding of her indelible mark on military strategy. This meticulously crafted narrative stands as both an homage to Joan’s legacy and an illuminating study that resonates across centuries.
DeVries skillfully navigates through historical accounts to present an in-depth portrayal of Joan as a visionary commander who defied gender norms and rallied troops with unwavering conviction. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, he brings to life the complexities surrounding Joan's military campaigns while shedding light on her role in shaping medieval warfare.
This captivating work not only celebrates Joan’s extraordinary achievements but also provides valuable insights into the challenges she faced as a female leader in a male-dominated domain. DeVries’ expertise shines through his nuanced examination, making this book essential reading for anyone interested in military history or women’s contributions to war efforts.
In "Joan of Arc: A Military Leader," Kelly DeVries delivers an engrossing account that honors its subject with reverence while enriching our understanding of her indelible mark on military strategy. This meticulously crafted narrative stands as both an homage to Joan’s legacy and an illuminating study that resonates across centuries.
April 9, 2022
This was the first biography of Joan of Arc I read, and while it was very interesting, it was missing answers to many questions I had even about her as a soldier/general and her skills specifically, focusing mainly on an account of her battles. I would have wanted more speculation on e.g. her skills as a general and how she learned them, than speculation on e.g. the exact location of a battle.
September 25, 2022
Thoroughly researched. Not boring to read.
It’s super fascinating to approach this highly spiritualized character of history from a military perspective. DeVries of course acknowledges Joan’s spiritual significance, but this book is about what the titles says: “a military leader.”
It’s super fascinating to approach this highly spiritualized character of history from a military perspective. DeVries of course acknowledges Joan’s spiritual significance, but this book is about what the titles says: “a military leader.”
January 7, 2025
This book is a good historical narrative of Joan of Arc, focusing on her military accomplishments. It does not make a lot of commentary on whether he is mentally unwell or has been given gifts from God. Sometimes, the author states his opinions, but it is his narrative, so I can let that go.
December 7, 2019
A reminder that, when it comes to history, there is much we don’t know and much we will never know.
January 14, 2022
Very insightful book. It really shows how Joan of Arc wasn't just a very spiritual person, she was also a military leader and liked how that was the focus of this book.
August 26, 2009
This book's narrow scope is the primary factor in its success. For all the examinations of what Joan of Arc meant, as a saint, as a feminist (?), as a heretic, etc., this book focused on what she did. Why is Joan so famous? Because she kicked the crap out of the English when no one else in France seemed to be able to. How did she do it? She wasn't afraid to send thousands of her countrymen men to their deaths.
So this book looks almost exclusively at the details of Joan as a military leader. Excellent research and quotes from sources of the day as well as later examinations. DeVries has a wonderfully concise prologue wherein the political landscape of France at the end if the Hundred Years War is described. The stage is set and Joan's entrance onto the scene is placed in an enlightening context.
A tad dry at times, but overall a very good illustration of the deeds that made The Maid into a legend.
So this book looks almost exclusively at the details of Joan as a military leader. Excellent research and quotes from sources of the day as well as later examinations. DeVries has a wonderfully concise prologue wherein the political landscape of France at the end if the Hundred Years War is described. The stage is set and Joan's entrance onto the scene is placed in an enlightening context.
A tad dry at times, but overall a very good illustration of the deeds that made The Maid into a legend.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews