Joan of Arc by Herself and Her Witnesses

Régine Pernoud's biography draws directly from historical records and trial documents to present Joan of Arc through first-hand accounts. The text features extensive excerpts from witness testimonies, letters, and Joan's own words during her trial and rehabilitation. The book follows a chronological structure, beginning with Joan's early life in Domrémy and continuing through her military campaigns and eventual capture. Rather than interpreting events through a modern lens, Pernoud allows contemporary voices from the 15th century to tell the story. This documentation-based approach offers readers a chance to meet Joan of Arc through the experiences of those who knew her personally. The testimonies come from a range of perspectives, including fellow soldiers, clergy members, childhood friends, and even her adversaries. The format removes layers of historical interpretation to reveal a clearer picture of Joan as she appeared to her contemporaries, highlighting both the political complexities of her time and the personal impact she had on those around her.

Readers value this book's extensive use of primary sources and trial documents to present Joan's story through direct accounts rather than interpretations. Many note that Pernoud lets Joan and her contemporaries speak for themselves through careful translations of surviving records. Readers appreciated: - Clear organization by timeline and theme - Inclusion of witness testimonies from both trials - Accessible writing style that doesn't require prior knowledge - Focus on historical evidence over speculation Common criticisms: - Some passages feel repetitive - Occasional dry sections when covering legal proceedings - Limited maps and visual aids - Complex French names can be hard to track Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (517 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (108 ratings) "Finally, Joan's actual words and actions without romantic embellishment" - Goodreads reviewer "The trial transcripts bring her personality to life" - Amazon reviewer "Could use more context about medieval France" - Amazon reviewer

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The Virgin Warrior: The Life and Death of Joan of Arc by Larissa Juliet Taylor This biography incorporates medieval documents and modern scholarship to trace Joan's transformation from peasant girl to military commander.

Joan of Arc: In Her Own Words by Willard Trask This compilation translates Joan's letters, military communiques, and trial testimony to present her story through her documented statements.

Joan of Arc: The Warrior Saint by Stephen W. Richey This examination focuses on Joan's military campaigns using battlefield reports and contemporary military records.

🔹 Régine Pernoud was one of France's most distinguished medieval historians and served as curator of the French National Archives for over 40 years. 🔹 The trial records used in the book include both Joan's condemnation trial of 1431 and her rehabilitation trial of 1456, which officially cleared her name 25 years after her death. 🔹 During Joan's trials, 115 witnesses testified about her character and actions, including soldiers who fought alongside her, childhood friends, and even her enemies. 🔹 Many of the original documents quoted in the book were preserved because Joan's canonization process in the early 20th century required extensive historical documentation. 🔹 The book draws from a unique medieval document called the "Nullification Trial" manuscript, which contains sworn testimonies from people who knew Joan personally and is considered one of the most reliable sources about her life.