The Virgin Warrior: The Life and Death of Joan of Arc

by Larissa Juliet Taylor

France’s great heroine and England’s great scourge: whether a lunatic, a witch, a religious icon, or a skilled soldier and leader, Joan of Arc’s contemporaries found her as extraordinary and fascinating as the legends that abound about her today. But her life has been so endlessly cast and recast that we have lost sight of the remarkable girl at the heart of it—a teenaged peasant girl who, after claiming to hear voices, convinced the French king to let her lead a disheartened army into battle. In the process she changed the course of European history.

In The Virgin Warrior, Larissa Juliet Taylor paints a vivid portrait of Joan as a self-confident, charismatic and supremely determined figure, whose sheer force of will electrified those around her and struck terror into the hearts of the English soldiers and leaders. The drama of Joan’s life is set against a world where visions and witchcraft were real, where saints could appear to peasants, battles and sieges decided the fate of kingdoms and rigged trials could result in burning at the stake.  Yet in her short life, Joan emboldened the French soldiers and villagers with her strength and resolve.  A difficult, inflexible leader, she defied her accusers and enemies to the end.  From her early years to the myths and fantasies that have swelled since her death, Taylor teases out a nuanced and engaging story of the truly irresistible "ordinary" girl who rescued France.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Medieval, Religion, France, Politics

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Psyche Ready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for an objective, evidence-based biography of the life of Joan of Arc, and this was perfect. Taylor writes clearly and succinctly (many biographies of Joan are painfully long), if academically. Any biographer must interpret the available evidence to some degree, and weave a narrative from it; Taylor, however, carefully avoids speculation and over-interpretation of the facts. The story of Joan's life is so strange, mysterious, and remarkable that there really is no need to embellish it, and I appreciate that Taylor leaves those mysterious spaces unexplained so I could fill them in on my own. She offers a "further reading" section that lists other interpretations of Joan's life for the reader who might want something more literary or theoretical. Finally, Taylor does a close reading of Joan's recorded statements from her trial and her life as a soldier, and these sources clearly portray a young woman who is in no way naive, but is witty, intelligent, clever, driven, and remarkably gifted. These characteristics are somewhat at odds with the traditional and popular understanding of who Joan was, and I am grateful to know the improbably bold figure Taylor describes.

[alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

pov: your final paper is due tonight but instead of scouring the source for quotes like a normal person you read the whole book cover to cover

i don’t normally rate texts for class but this biography was honestly so compelling and enlightening that i couldn’t send it off with anything but 5 stars…

and now for the paper…

[Stephen McQuiggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch or lunatic? Virgin or slut? Warrior or saint? The girl from Domremy rides into history, and over 500 years later still manages to fan the flames of controversy. A story so bizarre you just couldn't make it up. One of the main contentions of her supposed heresy aimed at her during her trial was her penchant for wearing male clothing, but Taylor convincingly argues the case of identity and highlights the despicable tactics used against a teenage girl. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is how the legend came to be staged, by Yolande and others, before taking on a life of its own; a self fulfilling prophecy. Taylor posits that the Maid came to believe her own press and it cost her her life. Fascinating and disturbing.

[Mark]

I do subscribe to a history magazine for limited period, then I buy a few copies in the shop until they come up with a new offer for a subscription usually accompanied with a free history book, this time it was this one. And knowing the general idea and character she seemed like an interesting person to read about. Especially as her role is about the religious history of Europe which is always a favorite of mine.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best bio of Joan out there, that's accessible. Readable, mostly well researched, and very clear.

Having said that, it still frustrated me. Particularly silly errors like suggesting that Joan may have tied her bedsheets together when jumping from the tower without mentioning that that particular rumour seems to have originated in the following century.

Also, the footnotes made it very difficult sometimes to follow up individual sources. I understand that it's easier for the author to cite a large French volume of sources, but not so easy for us!

Mostly, it didn't give enough of a sense (to me) of the very real confusions that historians still have over Joan's life and character. Yes, loads of sources exist. But they're hugely ambiguous, and while Taylor did address this, I think that the fact that this was popular history meant that she glossed over some of the controversies and ambiguities that make Joan so interesting.

[Frank Li · Rating 2 out of 5]

Edited:
For a historian who claimed to be "truthful" of the story being presented, Taylor rather took great liberties in asserting her theories about Joan through this work. The most prominent one I have found is that Yolande of Aragon was responsible for "paving the way" and potentially influencing Joan. Her theory of such a claim stems from the fact that when Joan was visiting the Duke of Lorraine who sent for her because he heard she was a healer. Rene then escorted her and then Yolande learned about Joan. Taylor claimed that: "From Toul, Joan was probably escorted to Nancy by nineteen-year-old Rene of Anjou" (Chapter 2 pg 34). Nothing was evident of such a case, Joan did not mention it nor was it mentioned by many witnesses with her then. In any event, why would a duke risk his heir in conducting a peasant girl through dangerous territory whom he just heard to be a healer instead of some men-at-arms? Although Taylor acknowledged the probability of the case, she kept inserting that Yolande was the one behind the scenes who "facilitated the meeting"(chapter 3 pg 41). In truth we do not know if such is the case there is no evidence of it nor did she have any evidence to support such a claim. It seems to me that rather than using concrete evidence and detailed analysis to support such a bold claim, Taylor more relied on her assumption while she claimed to present the "truth". It seems more like a conspiracy theory than a historical fact from a historian. Also throughout the book, Taylor's "Joan" is very inconsistent. "Joan always credited her voices with her victories but blamed the defeat on the king or his council." (Chapter 6 pg 107) And yet later on, when she was on the scaffold with the imminent burning while they were denouncing her then her King, "Joan did not defend herself but rather the king who no longer wanted or needed her..." (Chapter 9 pg 157). Could a girl who knows well that her king is to be blamed for failure in Paris yet still choose to defend his honor when it's more obvious he did not even attempt to rescue her? To me it's rather inconsistent, on one hand, Joan is portrayed as perceptive and cunning and blames others for defeats, and yet when it's the most logical time to blame them for defeats she does not but rather chooses to defend her King. Throughout the book, Taylor suggests that Joan is quite capable of fabrication in her trial and portrays her as a cunning woman just like how Shakespeare has portrayed her, but such assertion is rather a choice of her personal interpretation of the documents.
Despite its flaws, many of the facts are mostly consistent and kept in the story with detailed citations. Perhaps with the hope that the readers can come to their own conclusions upon these facts. It seems to me that most modern historians rather just like to recycle the knowledge that has been done back in the 19th century and early 20th century. With the addition that more skepticism towards the testimonies and Joan's own words and some novel theories about what motivates her to be more suitable to a modern audience. And commonly many historians claim that Joan is a complicated character. Perhaps most historical figures are complex with thousands of layers of personality and when faced with someone so simple, this historical figure must fit into the common mold as if to be worthy of being in history. Could it be that hard to admit that Joan is just a simple girl when despite all the riches she can name during coronation, she only asked for her village to be exempt from tax forever?

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and matter of fact telling of the life and legacy of Joan of Arc. The author explores the miraculous and earthly aspects of the life. She examines the possible psychological reasons for Joan's actions. The political and religious aspects of the times that shaped the events are clearly discussed. In doing this, the author seems to present a plausible explanation of who Joan was and how she accomplished what she did in a way that believers and skeptics can both accept.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent bio

The author provides a thorough yet engaging exploration of Joan's brief life, making full use of the contemporary sources. She corrects many of the myths and misunderstandings arising from political biases and the interests of the various parties who had important stakes in how Joan was portrayed after her death. Taylor skillfully guides her readers to a fuller understanding of this most remarkable woman.

[Lily Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! Interesting academic and historical approach to Joan's personal life, military career, trial, and death. Definitely, a non-religious approach was taken. Great sources and the author always references where she found any testimony in the text. Hard to follow sometimes because I was not familiar with her story before reading this, but it does include a very helpful timeline to contextualize her life and events.

[Edward Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am mostly familiar with the story of Joan of Arc but was largely ignorant about the entire legal process that took place after her capture by the English. It was interesting to read about the Burgundian/English intrigues that took place in regards to the outcome of the trial from the clergy.

[Yazlina Saduri · Rating 2 out of 5]

She was sixteen going on seventeen when she died as, I didn't know before, someone who has been with early France's soldiers, been accused of wrongdoing based on political views instead of for her being a religious martyr.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it ,r.i.p Joan of arc.

[Ella]

Read for Michaelmas Term Primary Tutorial: Medieval Female Mystics

[Michael Lerch · Rating 3 out of 5]

An academic look at Joan. She seems to take a logical approach that sidesteps the possibility of the existence of God, which is what I would expect from academia.

[Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, well-researched, well-reasoned piece of non-fiction. I really appreciated Taylor's analytical eye, explaining how some of the so-called "miracles" of Joan may have actually played out based on evidence. For someone with only rudimentary knowledge on the subject, this was a solid read.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid research, and Taylor offers solutions to many of the puzzles that surround the life of the Maid. She takes the sensible position that we simply cannot know what Joan experienced when she heard her Voices, but she does point out that many of the notable moments --- her recognition of the Dauphin from amongst the group of courtiers in which he had blended --- were staged. Taylor also demonstrates what Joan did as a warrior. Her main achievement is the account of the trials, both the court that condemned her and the tribunal that rehabilitated Joan twenty-five years after her death at the stake.

Was Joan a saint? Taylor prudently does not engage the subject, although the reader can certainly draw conclusions from this book. If it has a weakness, it is in the delineation of people like La Hire and Dunois. The reader is plunged in media res, and if you don't have at least some grasp of the Hundred Years War, it will be slow going for a bit. Taylor does provide a list of the main actors at the end of the book, so the information is there. The reader has to mine for it, though.

Recommended!

[Joanne Zienty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heretic, saint. Manipulated dreamer, cunning warrior. Stubborn adolescent, bold leader. Joan of Arc has been painted in all these terms and more, by writers as varied as Shakespeare, Voltaire, Schiller, Shaw and Twain... and even the script jockeys for The Simpsons. In The Virgin Warrior, Larissa Juliet Taylor presents an image of the "real" Joan -- or as close to the real as we can get for a heroine who lived over 500 years ago. She strips away the sanctification (and demonization) to show us the teenage girl who was too headstrong and determined to stay in her little village when adventure and a mission called. We see her rebellious streak, her conviction, and the flaws that led to her capture and death. "Go boldly" was Joan's unofficial motto, the words she used to spur on her soldiers. While she does a fine job of presenting Joan, one wishes that Taylor had been a bit more bold in her writing...her prose lacks flair and fails to bring out the color and flavor of 15th Century France.

[Joy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan of Arc is certainly an interesting historical figure. Taylor has written one of the first book to critically examine all the evidence to determine who the real Joan was. It is difficult to find the person amidst all the politics and hagiography since her death at the stake. I have read a few books over the years about The Maid, but this is the first to really give me a good idea about her real personality and the events that shaped her. What will remain a mystery is her claim to be guided by God. It is hard to imagine that sheer will and charisma could have allowed her to be so successful at her age during that era. I really appreciated the effort Taylor put in to give clear, non-angelic motivations for all the players in the drama. Her depth of research is clear and the story is well written. If you are looking for a quality, critical examination of Joan of Arc, I would certainly recommend this book.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor definitely smashes the fictionalized popularization of the story of Joan of Arc. She maintains that the "truth is more powerful than imagination" and I was on the edge of my seat through the chapters about Joan's military endeavors. It certainly read like a drama, but was indeed all true. I did find some chapters static such as "The Mission" and the "King of the Maid" but that is due to my own disinterest. What is most fascinating about Joan’s story is her intelligence and wit, which Taylor examines throughout the book as she provides practical explanations for Joan’s “miracles” and “voices” from God that instructed her to save the city of Orléans. As someone who knew nothing about Joan of Arc, this book was definitely informative. I recommend this book for students or for curious souls wanting to know Joan's real story. Joan is such an inspirational figure and certainly one of a kind.

[Lesley Dahlseng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any great historian must approach legend with objectivity. Any great writer must respect the reader's love affair with legend. Therefore, Taylor (author) had a narrow road to tread. Taylor's extensive research for The Virgin Warrior and her ability to dissect events otherwise attributed as miraculous into practical possibilities is impressive. No stone was left unturned. Whether Joan of Arc's convictions and abilities were divine or otherwise, the life of Joan is one at which to marvel. Very well written. Though in the end, Taylor's pursuit to remove any Divine presumptions may have overshot the goal of objectivity and resulted in a slight overdose of cynicism.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read and delightful in its use of origin source material. Would have appreciated some of the characters of the major players in her life being flushed out a bit more in the book rather than being consigned to an appendix. I thought the illustrations (maps) could have been a little more comprehensive (and better placed)in showing all of the places Joan went on her brief journey through life. As a Catholic, I am deeply ashamed of what was done in the name of God to this woman.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to read non-fiction and learn a thing or two. I also like to read about women's lives. That said, I'm afraid I didn't finish this, not because it's badly-written, just because I reached the end of my interest in Joan of Arc about a third of the way in.
I would think if you were very interested (by which I mean inordinately interested) in the life of Joan of Arc, this is a meticulously-researched, fact-filled account of her life, mission, trial and death.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this historical account of Joan of Arc's life very interesting. She comes across as an intelligent and talented girl taking advantage of whatever she can to gain a position in the world. However, there just isn't that much information or too many records of her life, so Taylor tends to base some of her assumptions on scanty primary sources. For its flaws, though, Taylor accomplished her mission of an accurate account of Joan the girl, instead of Joan the saint, well.

[Anne Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Joan of Arc story once more, but this time completely based on primary sources! Nice collection of photographs of so many cathedrals and castles, still existing unchanged, that play their part in this amazing chronicle.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, the French. The young woman is the tough, bold one!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well sourced book that still manages to be accessible to a new reader. Taylor manages to avoid Joan the Legend and instead paints a vivid picture of an independent and inspiring young woman.

[Charlotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Research was done well. Much more clinical than Mark Twain book but still good. Not as emotionally involving.