Joan of Arc: In her own words [Paperback]

Joan of Arc (Author), Willard Trask (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 18, 2004

The only available source for the exact words of Joan of Arc, compiled from the transcript of her trials and rearranged as an autobiography by Willard Trask.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Joan of Arc, the 15th-century "Maid of Orleans" who led French forces in defense of Charles, the Dauphin, and was burned at the stake as a witch by the English authorities, has for many years been a popular figure, written about approvingly by the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Mark Twain. Trask, an independent scholar, gives us Joan in her own words, culled from the trial reports and from eyewitnesses. There are not many words, admittedly, but they are Joan's own and are thus a window into her spirit. The starkness of the words is offset by a 19th-century afterword by Sir Richard Creasy, who provides the context. Readers seeking a more complete account would do well to read Twain's Joan of Arc, recently republished by Ignatius Press. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.?Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, N.J.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Turtle Point Press / Books & Co (June 18, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885983085
• ISBN-13: 978-1885983084
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Women Writers

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars May tempt you to want to know more about her, March 26, 2001

By 

Janice M. Hansen (California United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joan of Arc: In her own words (Paperback)

I was introduced to this brief book because of my 13 year old daughter's biography assignment. The book was abstracted and translated from French into English and consists only of "her own words" in the form of letters and documents which have accumulated over the years and been studied by scholars.

While not a book I could say would bring a complete understanding of Joan's life, it was intriguing to read her own interpretation of the events in her life. A little deep towards the end, especially for a young reader, it never the less did prove to be provoking and we enthusiastically probed other mediums to find more background information.

The story is so full of emotion and controversy it is sure to prompt contemplation and conversation. From my experience, it was worth the read to listen to my 13 year old reflect on what it would be like to be living in Joan's time and if you were Joan. All in all, both of us had a positive experience from the book.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious! Incandescent!, December 3, 1999

By 

Ronald Haak (Cork, Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joan of Arc: In her own words (Paperback)

Makes a vivid case for Sainthood, not only for Joan, but for Sainthood as a genuine phenomenon. How this unlettered, 20 year old peasant girl could fathom the deepest, most profound issues of religious reality, and do so in this ravishing, self-effacing and accessible manner will be one of humankind's lasting mysteries. Inspiring and baffling beyond description. Moves me to tears on every subsequent rereading. Incomparable. Unmissable!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This short book helps give Joan's story a more human view., August 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Joan of Arc: In her own words (Paperback)

This is a wonderful little book, chronicling Joan's life, her Loire campaign and finally her trial and demise. The book is set up in a journal-type format, with headings for each day. The quotes which follow are generally taken from trial manuscripts, and their genuineness cannot be doubted. The book gives you a sense that you're reading the personal memoirs of Joan, and the close personal feeling makes it all the more enjoyable. Though it is not filled with as much historical minutiae as other, drier works, this book is simply wonderful. My only criticism would be that the book does not offer many quotes which cannot be found in other works. Also, there are sections that are not truly quotes, but more precisely summaries of Joan's actions set in her own point of view. This subtracts a bit from the sense that you're actually reading her own words. I do, however, treasure this book for its familiar feel and its granting a voice to the martyred St. Joan.