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Histoire de France #5
Giovanna d'Arco
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.
We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.
We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
161 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1858
19 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Jules Michelet
1,078 books101 followersHis father was a master printer, not very prosperous, and Jules assisted him in the actual work of the press. A place was offered him in the imperial printing office, but his father was able to send him to the famous Collège or Lycée Charlemagne, where he distinguished himself. He passed the university examination in 1821, and was soon appointed to a professorship of history in the Collège Rollin.
Soon after this, in 1824, he married. This was one of the most favourable periods ever for scholars and men of letters in France, and Michelet had powerful patrons in Abel-François Villemain and Victor Cousin, among others. Although he was an ardent politician (having from his childhood embraced republicanism and a peculiar variety of romantic free-thought), he was above all a man of letters and an inquirer into the history of the past. His earliest works were school textbooks. Between 1825 and 1827 he produced diverse sketches, chronological tables, etc, of modern history. His précis of the subject, published in 1827, is a sound and careful book, far better than anything that had appeared before it, and written in a sober yet interesting style. In the same year he was appointed maître de conferences at the École normale supérieure. Four years later, in 1831, the Introduction à l'histoire universelle showed a very different style, exhibiting the idiosyncrasy and literary power of the writer to greater advantage, but also displaying, in the words of the Encyclopedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, "the peculiar visionary qualities which made Michelet the most stimulating, but the most untrustworthy (not in facts, which he never consciously falsifies, but in suggestion) of all historians."
Soon after this, in 1824, he married. This was one of the most favourable periods ever for scholars and men of letters in France, and Michelet had powerful patrons in Abel-François Villemain and Victor Cousin, among others. Although he was an ardent politician (having from his childhood embraced republicanism and a peculiar variety of romantic free-thought), he was above all a man of letters and an inquirer into the history of the past. His earliest works were school textbooks. Between 1825 and 1827 he produced diverse sketches, chronological tables, etc, of modern history. His précis of the subject, published in 1827, is a sound and careful book, far better than anything that had appeared before it, and written in a sober yet interesting style. In the same year he was appointed maître de conferences at the École normale supérieure. Four years later, in 1831, the Introduction à l'histoire universelle showed a very different style, exhibiting the idiosyncrasy and literary power of the writer to greater advantage, but also displaying, in the words of the Encyclopedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, "the peculiar visionary qualities which made Michelet the most stimulating, but the most untrustworthy (not in facts, which he never consciously falsifies, but in suggestion) of all historians."
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 8, 2016
Thorough overview of the Joan of Arc events, including major events and characters from all sides. The style is simple, accessible, and fact-based, leaving most emotional conclusions to the reader, though the author provides his own conclusions of some of the Maid's actions and decisions, which lent more life to the sparse facts. I was left with many questions about her spiritual guides.
The "preface," including beneficial historical overviews and notes about the structure of the text, comes on the last few pages of the book. Start there if you want that framework before diving into the heart of the story.
I recommend this for anyone interested in Joan of Arc and the events contemporary to her life. Basic enough for someone not well-versed in her life, but detailed enough for more of an expert.
The "preface," including beneficial historical overviews and notes about the structure of the text, comes on the last few pages of the book. Start there if you want that framework before diving into the heart of the story.
I recommend this for anyone interested in Joan of Arc and the events contemporary to her life. Basic enough for someone not well-versed in her life, but detailed enough for more of an expert.
September 7, 2017
Never thought I'd read a history book for leisure, but this came highly recommended. Start and end is somewhat abrupt--as the editor admits--because Joan of Arc is taken out of a bigger volume. It also doesn't give much historical context if the reader is unfamiliar. I took away one star only because I believe that (most) art should be fully appreciable as part of a larger work as well as a standalone work. Michelet's style is driving and engaging, with a beautiful use of language. This first time around, I mostly read for content; second time around, I'd definitely slowly soak in the prose; the aptly-chosen vocabulary, and the wonderfully descriptive words.
October 17, 2021
"O Deus dessa época era bem mais a Virgem do que o Cristo. Era necessária a Virgem descida à terra, uma virgem popular, jovem, bela, doce, ousada. [...] O salvador da França tinha de ser uma Mulher. A própria França era mulher".
Um interessante estudo sobre uma heroína de infância.
Um interessante estudo sobre uma heroína de infância.
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September 5, 2024An interesting foray into the C19th transition from nationalist to academic history
July 11, 2019
Very enjoyable little book, by a 19th century historian, about an extraordinary historical figure: Joan of Arc.
The setting is 15th century France; the French have been trying to drive out the English for nearly a century, but the issue of the war remains uncertain, and the throne of France may still be conquered by England. Over decades, millions have died - some in the fighting, many more from famine, desease, poverty, from bands of marauders... Generation after generation have lived and died, and yet the war rages on. (It lasted 116 years in total, with occasional interruptions).
In this world of violence and misery, in the heart of rural France, in a village recently plundered, a twelve year old girl begins to hear voices. She attributes them to God. And God is asking her to take pity on the Kingdom of France, and to deliver it from war.
Somehow, this teenage peasant girl found the French heir to the throne, wore an armor, went to the front lines, ordered around hardened veterans, and... she succeeded in turning the tide of the war. This led eventually to France preserving its independence, whereas England remained an island nation, and soon after was torn apart by the war of the Roses.
But Joan did not live to see this: having changed the course of history for two major nations, the now 19 year old girl is captured by the English. She is judged for heresy in a politically motivated trial, condemned, and burned alive - becoming a martyr for the French cause.
It's an extraordinary episode of history that would sound far-fetched if presented as fiction! And yet it did happen.
Jules Michelet's account is both detailed and lyrical, making for an entertaining as well as informative read. It is of course a bit dated, but it manages to give readers a sense of what (in the society and mentality of that time) made this extraordinary sequence of events possible. And at just 130 well-written pages, it's a quick read.
The setting is 15th century France; the French have been trying to drive out the English for nearly a century, but the issue of the war remains uncertain, and the throne of France may still be conquered by England. Over decades, millions have died - some in the fighting, many more from famine, desease, poverty, from bands of marauders... Generation after generation have lived and died, and yet the war rages on. (It lasted 116 years in total, with occasional interruptions).
In this world of violence and misery, in the heart of rural France, in a village recently plundered, a twelve year old girl begins to hear voices. She attributes them to God. And God is asking her to take pity on the Kingdom of France, and to deliver it from war.
Somehow, this teenage peasant girl found the French heir to the throne, wore an armor, went to the front lines, ordered around hardened veterans, and... she succeeded in turning the tide of the war. This led eventually to France preserving its independence, whereas England remained an island nation, and soon after was torn apart by the war of the Roses.
But Joan did not live to see this: having changed the course of history for two major nations, the now 19 year old girl is captured by the English. She is judged for heresy in a politically motivated trial, condemned, and burned alive - becoming a martyr for the French cause.
It's an extraordinary episode of history that would sound far-fetched if presented as fiction! And yet it did happen.
Jules Michelet's account is both detailed and lyrical, making for an entertaining as well as informative read. It is of course a bit dated, but it manages to give readers a sense of what (in the society and mentality of that time) made this extraordinary sequence of events possible. And at just 130 well-written pages, it's a quick read.
July 7, 2021
Admittedly, this is not a book I would have read if not for a university course in historiography. I read it along side the original French and while it primarily remains faithful to Michelet’s original, the translator makes some questionable alterations between words and sentences.
Overall the book is a solid retelling of Joan’s life. The prose is mostly beautiful, though sometimes it becomes laboured and hard to wade through. Michelet takes some liberties in recounting the course of events and often elevates his eponymous subject to the heights of myth. This becomes even more obvious when you understand the actual history of Joan of Arc, or read the book in conjunction with another biased work on the Maid such as Henry VI, Part 1 which I did for a final essay.
For anyone seeking to delve deeper into French history (and Joan of Arc in particular), this book is a must. If you are just seeking to read a light work for pleasure, I would look elsewhere.
Overall the book is a solid retelling of Joan’s life. The prose is mostly beautiful, though sometimes it becomes laboured and hard to wade through. Michelet takes some liberties in recounting the course of events and often elevates his eponymous subject to the heights of myth. This becomes even more obvious when you understand the actual history of Joan of Arc, or read the book in conjunction with another biased work on the Maid such as Henry VI, Part 1 which I did for a final essay.
For anyone seeking to delve deeper into French history (and Joan of Arc in particular), this book is a must. If you are just seeking to read a light work for pleasure, I would look elsewhere.
February 28, 2021
A short, but very well written history about Joan of Arc by the famous 19th century French historian Jules Michelet. Rather than strictly a historical narrative, this small book seeks to provide political and social contexts that are often missing. It is an easy and informative read. I definitely recommend it to anybody interested in learning more about the story of Joan of Arc, especially the political side.
October 4, 2019
Very dry.
You will get many unbiased facts, history and dates are a bit sparse for my liking. And the religious element is downplayed quite a bit. Which is silly, as she believed she was directed by God to fight. It's fine if you are not religious or spiritual, but to strip the religious context from this story is a disservice to her history.
You will get many unbiased facts, history and dates are a bit sparse for my liking. And the religious element is downplayed quite a bit. Which is silly, as she believed she was directed by God to fight. It's fine if you are not religious or spiritual, but to strip the religious context from this story is a disservice to her history.
August 20, 2011
Joan of Arc - Michelet's "beloved revolutionary sweetheart."
September 5, 2023
very brief overview of the lovely joan of arc, good if youre more interested in the logistics of her journey
September 20, 2023
EVEN WITHOUT THE benefit of modern scholarship, this is one of the best books on Joan, I'd say. Michelet did not actually publish it as a book; it's an excerpt from his multi-volume history of France, deftly translated and presented by Albert Guérard.
As a historian, Michelet was of the republican tradition and as such no ally of the church, but he had a soft spot for Joan. His narration of her career begins:
"Joan’s eminent originality was her common sense. This set her apart from the multitude of enthusiasts who, in ages of ignorance, have swayed the masses. In most cases, they derived their power from some dark contagious force of unreason. Her influence, on the contrary, was due to the clear light she was able to throw upon an obscure situation, through the unique virtue of her good sense and of her loving heart."
Michelet sought to reclaim Joan from the obscurantist pope-and-king element that were then re-fashioning her for propaganda purposes--a trend that continued right through the Dreyfus Affair, the collaborationist Vichy government (ironically enough), and Marine Le Pen in our own time. I guess we have to say he did not entirely succeed, given the depth to which right wing claws are still sunk in the image of the Maid of Orléans, but one is grateful the attempt was made.
As a historian, Michelet was of the republican tradition and as such no ally of the church, but he had a soft spot for Joan. His narration of her career begins:
"Joan’s eminent originality was her common sense. This set her apart from the multitude of enthusiasts who, in ages of ignorance, have swayed the masses. In most cases, they derived their power from some dark contagious force of unreason. Her influence, on the contrary, was due to the clear light she was able to throw upon an obscure situation, through the unique virtue of her good sense and of her loving heart."
Michelet sought to reclaim Joan from the obscurantist pope-and-king element that were then re-fashioning her for propaganda purposes--a trend that continued right through the Dreyfus Affair, the collaborationist Vichy government (ironically enough), and Marine Le Pen in our own time. I guess we have to say he did not entirely succeed, given the depth to which right wing claws are still sunk in the image of the Maid of Orléans, but one is grateful the attempt was made.
October 4, 2022
Joana D’Arc | Jules Michelet
No post de hoje vamos falar um pouquinho de História, acho que uma gama considerável de pessoas, sendo jovens ou não, algum dia teve conhecimento sobre uma jovem camponesa, que dedicou sua vida na luta contra invasões Inglesas, com sua fé inabalável em Deus obedeceu orientações das vozes divinas, tendo como firme propósito unificar o território Francês.
Eu sou suspeito em falar algo quando o assunto é Joana D’Arc, tenho um carinho especial pela trajetória de vida, sua conduta e convicção no poder de Deus, onde conseguiu liderar e vencer diversas batalhas. Minha admiração continua em sua luta contra os tribunais inquisitoriais,
onde manteve-se firme em sua fé contra tirania dos homens.
O livro de Jules Michelet apesar de suas poucas páginas, apresenta uma escrita excelente, o leitor consegue manter acesso em uma narrativa inigualável, tornando-se uma leitura acessível, obra essencial que mantém vivo em proporções gigantescas o que Joana representou na História Francesa.
No post de hoje vamos falar um pouquinho de História, acho que uma gama considerável de pessoas, sendo jovens ou não, algum dia teve conhecimento sobre uma jovem camponesa, que dedicou sua vida na luta contra invasões Inglesas, com sua fé inabalável em Deus obedeceu orientações das vozes divinas, tendo como firme propósito unificar o território Francês.
Eu sou suspeito em falar algo quando o assunto é Joana D’Arc, tenho um carinho especial pela trajetória de vida, sua conduta e convicção no poder de Deus, onde conseguiu liderar e vencer diversas batalhas. Minha admiração continua em sua luta contra os tribunais inquisitoriais,
onde manteve-se firme em sua fé contra tirania dos homens.
O livro de Jules Michelet apesar de suas poucas páginas, apresenta uma escrita excelente, o leitor consegue manter acesso em uma narrativa inigualável, tornando-se uma leitura acessível, obra essencial que mantém vivo em proporções gigantescas o que Joana representou na História Francesa.
February 4, 2022
Une bonne lecture si vous etes passionnés par l'histoire.
Des larmes ont coulé sur ma joue au moment où j'ai lu le dernier chapitre.
Meme si je connais la légende de la Pucelle d'Orléans, son destin tragique touche toujours mon coeur .
Jeanne d'Arc est et va toujours restée une de mes héroïnnes préférées de l'histoire universelle.
Des larmes ont coulé sur ma joue au moment où j'ai lu le dernier chapitre.
Meme si je connais la légende de la Pucelle d'Orléans, son destin tragique touche toujours mon coeur .
Jeanne d'Arc est et va toujours restée une de mes héroïnnes préférées de l'histoire universelle.
December 27, 2020
Je ne connaissais que vaguement l'histoire de Jeanne d'Arc, ne me restait que mes souvenirs de ce que j'avais pu apprendre à l'école. Le seul défaut que je trouve, c'est parfois le parti pris de l'auteur concernant la foi de Jeanne d'Arc
January 7, 2022
"Når et af kirkens lemmer er sygt, er hele kirken syg" Den stakkels kirke kunne ikke heles, uden at et lem blev bortskaaret. " Jeanne gaa bort i fred, kirken kan ikke forsvare dig"
October 3, 2024
Vision romantique d'une française ayant participé à salvation.
November 16, 2025
un buen libro para conocer la historia de una heroína
May 6, 2011
百年戦争、劣勢に喘ぐフランスに颯爽と登場した「オルレアンの聖女 ジャンヌ・ダルク」。
彼女の実像を歴史家のジュール・ミシュレが書く。
元々はミシュレの大著「フランス史」中のジャンヌ・ダルクに関する箇所を抄訳したもの。
原註、訳註、略年譜といった資料も豊富でジャンヌ・ダルクの生きた時代を思うまま想像し、楽しむことのできる名著。
ペリヌー女史のジャンヌ・ダルク関連の書籍との併読で、さらに楽しめる。
彼女の実像を歴史家のジュール・ミシュレが書く。
元々はミシュレの大著「フランス史」中のジャンヌ・ダルクに関する箇所を抄訳したもの。
原註、訳註、略年譜といった資料も豊富でジャンヌ・ダルクの生きた時代を思うまま想像し、楽しむことのできる名著。
ペリヌー女史のジャンヌ・ダルク関連の書籍との併読で、さらに楽しめる。
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April 8, 2013Free audio version available at Literature audio.com
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December 11, 2017Read for university, as part of a class on reading history as literature, i.e: historiography.
May 28, 2022
TL;DR: Two dudes fight over a lady.
February 8, 2010
koleksi buku kuno dan antik terbitan tahun 1900
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews