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The Story of Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc ( 1412 – May 30, 1431) also known as "the Maid of Orleans", was a 15th century virgin saint and national heroine of France. A peasant girl born in Eastern France, Joan led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War, claiming divine guidance, and was indirectly responsible for the coronation of King Charles VII. She was captured by the English and tried by an ecclesiastical court led by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, an English partisan; the court convicted her of heresy and she was burned at the stake by the English when she was nineteen years old. Twenty-four years later, the Holy See reviewed the decision of the ecclesiastical court, found her innocent, and declared her a martyr. She was beatified in 1909 and later canonized in 1920.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1908
25 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Lang
2,904 books556 followersTales of the Scottish writer and anthropologist Andrew Lang include
The Blue Fairy Book
(1889).
Andrew Gabriel Lang, a prolific Scotsman of letters, contributed poetry, novels, literary criticism, and collected now best folklore.
The Young Scholar and Journalist
Andrew Gabriel Lang, the son of the town clerk and the eldest of eight children, lived in Selkirk in the Scottish borderlands. The wild and beautiful landscape of childhood greatly affected the youth and inspired a lifelong love of the outdoors and a fascination with local folklore and history. Charles Edward Stuart and Robert I the Bruce surrounded him in the borders, a rich area in history. He later achieved his literary Short History of Scotland .
A gifted student and avid reader, Lang went to the prestigious Saint Andrews University, which now holds a lecture series in his honor every few years, and then to Balliol College, Oxford. He later published Oxford: Brief Historical and Descriptive Notes about the city in 1880.
Moving to London at the age of 31 years in 1875 as an already published poet, he started working as a journalist. His dry sense of humor, style, and huge array of interests made him a popular editor and columnist quickly for The Daily Post, Time magazine and Fortnightly Review. Whilst working in London, he met and married Leonora Blanche Alleyne Lang, his wife.
Interest in myths and folklore continued as he and Leonora traveled through France and Italy to hear local legends, from which came the most famous The Rainbow Fairy Books . In the late 19th century, interest in the native stories declined and very few persons recounting them for young readers. In fact, some educationalists attacked harmful magical stories in general to children. To challenge this notion, Lang first began collecting stories for the first of his colored volumes.
Lang gathered already recorded stories, while other folklorists collected stories directly from source. He used his time to collect a much greater breadth over the world from Jacob Grimm, his brother, Madame d'Aulnoy, and other less well sources.
Lang also worked as the editor, often credited as its sole creator for his work despite the essential support of his wife, who transcribed and organised the translation of the text, to the success.
He published to wide acclaim. The beautiful illustrations and magic captivated the minds of children and adults alike. The success first allowed Lang and Leonora to carry on their research and in 1890 to publish a much larger print run of The Red Fairy Book , which drew on even more sources. Between 1889 and 1910, they published twelve collections, which, each with a different colored binding, collected, edited and translated a total of 437 stories. Lang, credited with reviving interest in folklore, more importantly revolutionized the Victorian view and inspired generations of parents to begin reading them to children once more.
Last Works
Lang produced and at the same time continued a wide assortment of novels, literary criticism, articles, and poetry. As Anita Silvey, literary critic, however, noted, "The irony of Lang's life and work is that although he wrote for a profession... he is best recognized for the works he did not write," the folk stories that he collected.
He finished not the last Highways and Byways of the Border but died.
Andrew Gabriel Lang, a prolific Scotsman of letters, contributed poetry, novels, literary criticism, and collected now best folklore.
The Young Scholar and Journalist
Andrew Gabriel Lang, the son of the town clerk and the eldest of eight children, lived in Selkirk in the Scottish borderlands. The wild and beautiful landscape of childhood greatly affected the youth and inspired a lifelong love of the outdoors and a fascination with local folklore and history. Charles Edward Stuart and Robert I the Bruce surrounded him in the borders, a rich area in history. He later achieved his literary Short History of Scotland .
A gifted student and avid reader, Lang went to the prestigious Saint Andrews University, which now holds a lecture series in his honor every few years, and then to Balliol College, Oxford. He later published Oxford: Brief Historical and Descriptive Notes about the city in 1880.
Moving to London at the age of 31 years in 1875 as an already published poet, he started working as a journalist. His dry sense of humor, style, and huge array of interests made him a popular editor and columnist quickly for The Daily Post, Time magazine and Fortnightly Review. Whilst working in London, he met and married Leonora Blanche Alleyne Lang, his wife.
Interest in myths and folklore continued as he and Leonora traveled through France and Italy to hear local legends, from which came the most famous The Rainbow Fairy Books . In the late 19th century, interest in the native stories declined and very few persons recounting them for young readers. In fact, some educationalists attacked harmful magical stories in general to children. To challenge this notion, Lang first began collecting stories for the first of his colored volumes.
Lang gathered already recorded stories, while other folklorists collected stories directly from source. He used his time to collect a much greater breadth over the world from Jacob Grimm, his brother, Madame d'Aulnoy, and other less well sources.
Lang also worked as the editor, often credited as its sole creator for his work despite the essential support of his wife, who transcribed and organised the translation of the text, to the success.
He published to wide acclaim. The beautiful illustrations and magic captivated the minds of children and adults alike. The success first allowed Lang and Leonora to carry on their research and in 1890 to publish a much larger print run of The Red Fairy Book , which drew on even more sources. Between 1889 and 1910, they published twelve collections, which, each with a different colored binding, collected, edited and translated a total of 437 stories. Lang, credited with reviving interest in folklore, more importantly revolutionized the Victorian view and inspired generations of parents to begin reading them to children once more.
Last Works
Lang produced and at the same time continued a wide assortment of novels, literary criticism, articles, and poetry. As Anita Silvey, literary critic, however, noted, "The irony of Lang's life and work is that although he wrote for a profession... he is best recognized for the works he did not write," the folk stories that he collected.
He finished not the last Highways and Byways of the Border but died.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 22, 2017
I liked this audiobook. The most I knew of Joan of Arc was that she was a devout Catholic, accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. There are lots of fine points about this book that Andrew has researched and told without taking sides. He's mentioned the impostor, Joan's doubts and the witness accounts as is recorded in history. And that makes it a very unbiased account.
The book highlights Joan's patriotism for France and in a way for a teenager is a very strong warrior for the King. A King who was weak and who did not save the woman who had single-handed gave him his throne.
The life of Joan is very similar to Christ's, when you see her unjust trial, the lies, the treachery and the betrayal she went through. She was only 19 when she was burned at the stake. The book is lovely and she's a very good heroine, exemplary for women as a role model. The voices that she was hearing was quite possibly the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Because it always told her what to do. The only thing I don't see explained is why she believed these voices were of St. Catherine and St. Margaret. If you want to read about her life. This is a good place to start.
The book highlights Joan's patriotism for France and in a way for a teenager is a very strong warrior for the King. A King who was weak and who did not save the woman who had single-handed gave him his throne.
The life of Joan is very similar to Christ's, when you see her unjust trial, the lies, the treachery and the betrayal she went through. She was only 19 when she was burned at the stake. The book is lovely and she's a very good heroine, exemplary for women as a role model. The voices that she was hearing was quite possibly the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Because it always told her what to do. The only thing I don't see explained is why she believed these voices were of St. Catherine and St. Margaret. If you want to read about her life. This is a good place to start.
July 15, 2020
03-07-2020
Coming soon ...
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15-07-20
Short review
So i like Michael Beevers "Joan of Arc" book much much better. If you are looking for saintly depth which reveals the quality and depth of character regarding the person (i.e. Joan herself) is suggest Beevers book. It is quite good. I rated that one 4 or 5 stars (cannot remember)
Now this book is great as a scholarly work. And I mean SCHOLARLY. it is deep and analytical, judgemental and unbiased, factual and precise. It is correct and clear and does not sway left or right.
It pulls up all legitimate evidence and proves her case.
But. It isn't a book to learn off her conduct per se. Its too analytical, not giving anyone any room for spiritual insight.
So. this book really is a good book. I mean Lang went far and beyond and is considered one of the great authors who really wrote an accurate biography of Joan. But my oh my.
This book is intense and deep. And you'll learn LOTS regarding history and connection between things.
Now also to add - i agree with other reviews with the fact that I had to skip the first two chapters. Very analytical as it shows the objections to Joan and what people are saying about and against her. And thus Lang proves what the truth is.
I recommend for those who want authenticity. Scholar. Precision. And truth.
Just not for one who wants to be immersed in the really experience of her life through her character and etc.
Coming soon ...
------------------------
15-07-20
Short review
So i like Michael Beevers "Joan of Arc" book much much better. If you are looking for saintly depth which reveals the quality and depth of character regarding the person (i.e. Joan herself) is suggest Beevers book. It is quite good. I rated that one 4 or 5 stars (cannot remember)
Now this book is great as a scholarly work. And I mean SCHOLARLY. it is deep and analytical, judgemental and unbiased, factual and precise. It is correct and clear and does not sway left or right.
It pulls up all legitimate evidence and proves her case.
But. It isn't a book to learn off her conduct per se. Its too analytical, not giving anyone any room for spiritual insight.
So. this book really is a good book. I mean Lang went far and beyond and is considered one of the great authors who really wrote an accurate biography of Joan. But my oh my.
This book is intense and deep. And you'll learn LOTS regarding history and connection between things.
Now also to add - i agree with other reviews with the fact that I had to skip the first two chapters. Very analytical as it shows the objections to Joan and what people are saying about and against her. And thus Lang proves what the truth is.
I recommend for those who want authenticity. Scholar. Precision. And truth.
Just not for one who wants to be immersed in the really experience of her life through her character and etc.
January 11, 2024
Fact or fiction?
This is a very bare bones telling of the story of Joan of Arc and never gets very deep into the details or if the story has been embellished and exaggerated over the course of 500 years. The author accepts everything to be true and has no doubts that Joan was directed by voices to lead soldiers into battle, and winning them. I'm sceptical about many of the "facts" but I imagine there was a real girl named Joan, especially when the transcripts of her trial still exist. Being under a hundred pages in length it is a reasonably quick read but there are better books on the subject and this is can seen as a primer.
This is a very bare bones telling of the story of Joan of Arc and never gets very deep into the details or if the story has been embellished and exaggerated over the course of 500 years. The author accepts everything to be true and has no doubts that Joan was directed by voices to lead soldiers into battle, and winning them. I'm sceptical about many of the "facts" but I imagine there was a real girl named Joan, especially when the transcripts of her trial still exist. Being under a hundred pages in length it is a reasonably quick read but there are better books on the subject and this is can seen as a primer.
November 3, 2020
Upon second listen (Truth version) 2020:
Okay so 2018 Julia lied 100%. I have 0 recollection of listening to this audiobook. Legit 0. Yes I know I used em to sleep, but like this one I just slept through. This time tho with exam season rearing behind me I was wide awake and listened to almost the whole thing. It's a good listen, I doubt its accuracy ngl, it seems very little matter of fact. Cool story tho bro.
Upon first listen (ALL LIES) 2018:
Again a damn good audiobook before sleep (also free which is nice). It was very conversational, so not sure if I'm 100% behind the historical facts, but I appreciated the personal additions and you could clearly tell how into it the author was.
Okay so 2018 Julia lied 100%. I have 0 recollection of listening to this audiobook. Legit 0. Yes I know I used em to sleep, but like this one I just slept through. This time tho with exam season rearing behind me I was wide awake and listened to almost the whole thing. It's a good listen, I doubt its accuracy ngl, it seems very little matter of fact. Cool story tho bro.
Upon first listen (ALL LIES) 2018:
Again a damn good audiobook before sleep (also free which is nice). It was very conversational, so not sure if I'm 100% behind the historical facts, but I appreciated the personal additions and you could clearly tell how into it the author was.
March 4, 2018
This is a short history of Joan of Arc. How inspiring it is to see one so young accomplish so much, with so much courage, valor and moral fortitude. In light of current events and youth rising up and speaking out, it spoke to me of the power in the passion of young people to make a difference in the world. Also I once again was struck by how many called her a heretic, apostate, a witch, further burning her at the stake only to have her in the not so distant future venerated and made a saint. This plays out so often in history and makes you ponder where you stand. Who really are heretics and apostates? It all depends on where you stand now and may change in the future.
October 4, 2018
Very nice book. Extremely detailed and insightful. Remarkable work by Mr. Lang and the Librivox crew.
November 22, 2016
A good listen, though short, on Joan. Andrew Lang has a way of bringing to life the story of this remarkable woman and her holy mission.
July 1, 2023
I knew the basic premise of Joan of Arc’s story, but this was an interesting quick read to flesh out some more of the details. Don’t really know that I have an opinion on the voices she heard directing her to lead the battles, etc., but she thought them real, and that’s what history has recorded, however they came to be.
The Scottish teamed up with the French against the English, which I thought intriguing, and Joan’s educational limitations didn’t help her when it came time for her trials. (“Sign here. Trust us.”)
The author fairly frequently used “stupid” as a descriptor in the book, which I found rather amusing, for of all the rich adjectives in the English language to describe the character and qualities of a person, this was as deep as we could go? That aside, it was a quick, interesting read.
PS. There’s a really fun little blip about the history of the name “Kennedy” and its association with money. Made me laugh, considering the family line fifty years after the book was written. :D
The Scottish teamed up with the French against the English, which I thought intriguing, and Joan’s educational limitations didn’t help her when it came time for her trials. (“Sign here. Trust us.”)
The author fairly frequently used “stupid” as a descriptor in the book, which I found rather amusing, for of all the rich adjectives in the English language to describe the character and qualities of a person, this was as deep as we could go? That aside, it was a quick, interesting read.
PS. There’s a really fun little blip about the history of the name “Kennedy” and its association with money. Made me laugh, considering the family line fifty years after the book was written. :D
August 13, 2021
It's a brief book about life of one popular historical character of France - Joan of arc also known as 'The maid of Orleans'. Such short life of 19 years, yet such vast impact. The name is heard in so many literatures that I had to find more, and this book is perfect for that.
Though her visions, internal voices and her beliefs seems a bit absurd, she certainly is depicted as a courageous lady. She is seen providing hope to the defeated souled soldiers.
Whereas, King Charles VI is seen as a pathetic character here
It was the age where the punishment for witchcraft ( or is it for wearing men's attire?) is to burn a person alive, which is inhumane and totally barbaric
After her death, the story about the imposter verified by her brothers as Joan herself though is not explained properly
Though her visions, internal voices and her beliefs seems a bit absurd, she certainly is depicted as a courageous lady. She is seen providing hope to the defeated souled soldiers.
Whereas, King Charles VI is seen as a pathetic character here
It was the age where the punishment for witchcraft ( or is it for wearing men's attire?) is to burn a person alive, which is inhumane and totally barbaric
After her death, the story about the imposter verified by her brothers as Joan herself though is not explained properly
February 21, 2022
I would have given this another star if it was longer and a bit more substantive. Nevertheless, it serves as a decent introduction for someone who is a hell of a hurry, should they want to know what the big deal is about Joan of Arc. I knew next to nothing about her, and this book has succeeded in stoking my admiration and respect for her, and more interest in the legend that surrounds her now.
November 9, 2024
This was a good introduction to Joan of Arc. I pre-read this for 6th grade daughter for school. I wasn't ready to hand her the Mark Twain "Joan of Arc" and Andrew Lang seemed like a good starting place, even though it seemed at a lower reading level than she was capable of reading. I learned some stuff about Joan of Arc that I hadn't know before.
September 19, 2021
I was given the name Joan by my mom and dad and have always been interested in St. Joan of Arc and over the years have gained a little knowledge here and there. This book put it all out there with her and her families life story and how truly heroic, brave and dedicated to God.
Read
November 14, 2023My biggest takeaway from this is that I'd like to time travel to the moment when the Dauphin refuses to pay the ransom for Joan of Arc and I'm going to take his royal scepter and beat him with it. As Andrew Lang points out multiple times throughout the text, that man is "stupid".
April 24, 2024
This is a short book, and I wanted to listen to it first before sharing it with my 11 year old daughter. It's hard to believe that I didn't learn about her in middle school, high school, or college history courses. I had only known OF her but knew very little of her true heroism.
August 6, 2024
Tries to rely the story of a saint without including too much saintliness, yet can’t quite avoid the mystical & miraculous as they occurred in Joan’s life. As such, it feels a little lacking in depth.
Read
November 19, 2025Some pros:
I have now some notion of who Joan of Arc was.
I found the ending to be moving and compelling.
Some cons:
The way war was romanticized here should be criticized.
I deplore the biographer’s lack of nuance.
I have now some notion of who Joan of Arc was.
I found the ending to be moving and compelling.
Some cons:
The way war was romanticized here should be criticized.
I deplore the biographer’s lack of nuance.
January 5, 2019
the basic story without much more. appropriate for children and young adults.
May 4, 2019
Easy to read. Author calls Joan, Jean sometimes.
July 17, 2019
Good short concise history of Joan. Nice starting off point if you'd like to read more.
September 9, 2021
Wow. Mind-blown. The audiobook was extraordinary.
October 18, 2021
Good little book, enjoyed reading it
November 26, 2025
I pre-read this book as McKenna will be reading it next year. I definitely came away with a greater understanding of the Maid of Orlean.
November 26, 2022
rip joan of arc you wouldve loved Sansa Stark
January 14, 2017
The Story of Joan of Arc was about, a the title indicates, is about the life of Joan of Arc a girl who was born in France and how she become to be. The story was nonfiction slash narrative. I really enjoyed reading this book and is a book that if you want to learn something and have a story to it and action to it this would be a great book to read.
===Spoiler Alert===
The story begins in the early 1400 hundreds and Joan of Arc being a child with thirteen years old and one day she was outside and she hears something to, go to her mother, but then she hears someone that to go to general of France and that she will free France from England and the two countries had been at war for along time. As expected he said no, the voices told her to go again. This voices where others saints. This time she told him about what the saints said, and he saw that she wasn't just a normal girl. So he sent some men and gave her a horse and she mounted very well even though with no experience and much more that they would've expected from just a girl, so the french took her in and sent a letter to her parents. Time passed and her attack on Orleans which was in current control of the English. She attack a with the french on her side and took over the Orleans and that was the start of the France taking back their land. But was captured at Compiegne near the Burgundian Faction which was a ally of the English so they sold to them since they paid the most for her. She was integrated in a male jail cell, but she was much wiser them all of them. But she was tricked she sign a contract that she would wear a dress since she only wore menes clothing, but that meant she could be burn alive as a which. And so she died at age 19 and crowned her king Charles VIII with her victories.
The book is not a hard book to read, just some of the pronouncing of the cities in the story. The author was very clear with his words and made it easy to read and enjoy the book and to still keep reading the book itself. The author went so far to get some quotes from the characters including Joan of Arc, and much more information.
What I feel is that the author did a very good job writing this book. The main detail is that the author made me want to read the book and want to learn more about Joan of Arc and what had happened after her death.
In conclusion I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 because I really enjoyed the book and it made you want to read more and more. I would recommend this book for those who like many nonfiction book about history but it has an adventure to it. I would really would recommend this book to anyone because it's just a really interesting book to read.
===Spoiler Alert===
The story begins in the early 1400 hundreds and Joan of Arc being a child with thirteen years old and one day she was outside and she hears something to, go to her mother, but then she hears someone that to go to general of France and that she will free France from England and the two countries had been at war for along time. As expected he said no, the voices told her to go again. This voices where others saints. This time she told him about what the saints said, and he saw that she wasn't just a normal girl. So he sent some men and gave her a horse and she mounted very well even though with no experience and much more that they would've expected from just a girl, so the french took her in and sent a letter to her parents. Time passed and her attack on Orleans which was in current control of the English. She attack a with the french on her side and took over the Orleans and that was the start of the France taking back their land. But was captured at Compiegne near the Burgundian Faction which was a ally of the English so they sold to them since they paid the most for her. She was integrated in a male jail cell, but she was much wiser them all of them. But she was tricked she sign a contract that she would wear a dress since she only wore menes clothing, but that meant she could be burn alive as a which. And so she died at age 19 and crowned her king Charles VIII with her victories.
The book is not a hard book to read, just some of the pronouncing of the cities in the story. The author was very clear with his words and made it easy to read and enjoy the book and to still keep reading the book itself. The author went so far to get some quotes from the characters including Joan of Arc, and much more information.
What I feel is that the author did a very good job writing this book. The main detail is that the author made me want to read the book and want to learn more about Joan of Arc and what had happened after her death.
In conclusion I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 because I really enjoyed the book and it made you want to read more and more. I would recommend this book for those who like many nonfiction book about history but it has an adventure to it. I would really would recommend this book to anyone because it's just a really interesting book to read.
April 10, 2015
A good introduction and quick summary for anyone that doesn't really know anything about this amazing woman. She’s basically the French Jesus with a sword. She was one of a kind. A true legend worthy of admiration. She was probably a Schizophrenic with a serious Jesus complex or maybe she really was directed by angel or demon. We'll never really know. Regardless, her's is truly an incredible real life story.
I will agree with other reviews though, the author was not objective enough calling advisor's and other people things like “stupid” and “lazy” putting in a lot of personal opinion into his writing. I'm pretty sure he wasn't there. This is a history book. Settle down Andrew. It's obvious that Andrew Lang is in love with her. I’d be very curious to see the other book he wrote. His real book. His erotic vampire fan fiction staring himself and Joan of Arc he had written in the Winter of 1906.
I will agree with other reviews though, the author was not objective enough calling advisor's and other people things like “stupid” and “lazy” putting in a lot of personal opinion into his writing. I'm pretty sure he wasn't there. This is a history book. Settle down Andrew. It's obvious that Andrew Lang is in love with her. I’d be very curious to see the other book he wrote. His real book. His erotic vampire fan fiction staring himself and Joan of Arc he had written in the Winter of 1906.
October 10, 2015
I am a huge fan of history but I only know the basics of the story of Joan of Arc from her encounters with the English, and this is mainly from the English point of view so they can be quite biased. From reading this in more detail, her tale is quite horrific and you can only feel sorry for her losing her life at such a young age. She was reported to have visions which would help the French Dauphin take back the crown from the infant Henry VI and some of the land that had been captured by England during the 100 years war, she amassed an army and was followed by many, only to be later betrayed and given to the English who burnt her at the stake. Not a nice ending and the whole affair for me, even though it took place several hundred years ago when burning was common place is still quite shocking.
February 19, 2013
I've decided this book is a quick intro to Joan of Arc. I've never been that interested in learning about Joan of Arc but this book and some of my genetics courses have now made me more interested in learning about her and her life. I think I might have to read a more in-depth telling full of author bias and speculation...like the one by Mark Twain (I bet he weaves a great tale).
March 27, 2016
This book is a great place to start for someone who wants to learn about Joan of Arc and the history surrounding her. It is a short, quick read but very descriptive. That being said, this book is not for someone looking for an in-depth take on Joan of Arc or the history of France and England at the time of her short life; this is merely an over-view.
July 5, 2014
Short and sweet biography that taught me a lot about St. Joan of Arc that I didn't know! I would have liked more details about her spirituality and conversion though. Of course, the historical battles and timeline of events are an important aspect. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews