I never knew that we had such an abundance of information on Joan of Arc.

I don't think I have ever devoured a nonfiction work with such speed. The story was simply captivating, and I found myself completely engrossed, unable to put the book down.

The author, however, isn't my favorite. For a nonfiction book, there was perhaps a little too much of a religious point of view for my personal taste.

But despite that, the story of Joan herself is truly fascinating. I am now eager to read more about her.

I firmly believe that she was indeed one of God's servants, a remarkable figure in history whose story continues to inspire and intrigue.

I look forward to delving deeper into her life and learning more about the events that shaped her and the impact she had on the world.

The cruelty of men is as wondrous as Peru. So sayeth Sweeney Todd, and he should know.

Why, you might ask, did I begin my review of a biography of a woman who just might be the greatest saint of her age with a quote penned by arguably one of the greatest lyricists of ours? Because it’s true.

The story of Joan of Arc is a hard one. It begins in glory, with an illiterate peasant girl inspiring her country and crowning her king. But it ends in betrayal and one of the most painful and tragic deaths imaginable. Joan was burned at the stake as a heretic, not because of any real heresy, but because she wore men’s clothes to protect herself from assault. Seriously.

Turns out, men’s clothes in those days were a kind of effective chastity belt. But still, many men tried to get past it. So the official charge was heresy, but in reality, Joan was murdered because she was too effective at inspiring her fellow countrymen to drive the English invaders from French soil. The nerve of some women.

In modern times, Joan has been victimized again by those who can’t accept her reality. Some have speculated that she suffered from epilepsy or migraines or some other “real” reason to explain her spiritual experiences. But Donald Spoto, in “Joan: The Mysterious Life of the Heretic Who Became a Saint”, argues that these experiences are best described through poetry and metaphor.

There are different ways to approach Joan’s story. The pious avenue is boring, and even Joan would have thought so. The skeptical approach discounts both her spiritual experiences and the hard physical tasks she accomplished. But the middle path, where her reality is treated with honesty and her spiritual experiences are viewed with belief and an attempt at understanding, is the one that this biography takes. And it resonated with me deeply.

The beauty of a soul is as wondrous as the universe. Five stars. Highly recommended.

This was such an informative and well-researched book.

I knew nothing of Joan of Arc before picking up this book. However, after reading it, I am absolutely amazed by her.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the life and times of Joan of Arc in a detailed and engaging manner.

We learn about her humble beginnings, her visions from God, and her leadership in the French army during the Hundred Years' War.

Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Joan remained坚定 in her beliefs and fought bravely for her country.

Her story is truly inspiring and a testament to the power of faith and determination.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or the life of Joan of Arc.

3.5 stars.

This is a truly captivating biography of Joan of Arc. Although I had a general understanding of the 'basics' regarding her, I hadn't delved into many detailed biographies. I really liked that the author stated his biases and interests right at the start. He firmly places her within the Christian mystical perspective. It might be beneficial if one believes that Paul, Elijah, and Jesus were historical figures who acted precisely as they are depicted in the Bible. However, since I'm undecided about their historicity, I'm not certain that one can prove whether Joan's visions were 'real' or not by comparing them to other experiences within the religious tradition.

Despite this, the author does present a convincing argument to demonstrate that regardless of whether her experiences were objectively 'real' or not, they were very real to her and her contemporaries. She was such an extraordinary individual. And while there are still numerous unanswered questions, this biography should definitely be on anyone's 'must read' list if they have even the slightest interest in Joan of Arc.

That's a good read.

It offers some interesting perspectives and ideas.

However, it is important to note that it has a strong religious influence of the author.

This means that the content is likely to be more appealing and meaningful to those who are religious.

If you have a friend who is not religious, I wouldn't recommend this read to them.

As it may not resonate with their beliefs and values.

On the other hand, for religious people, this book could be very inspiring.

It might provide them with new insights and strengthen their faith.

Overall, it's a matter of personal preference and one's religious stance.

I was in search of a rapid refresher regarding the story of Joan d'Arc when I chanced upon this particular one.

I must confess that I skipped over some of the more theology-intensive portions. However, overall, I considered this to be an extremely good read.

It is evident that it has been well researched, and it presents Joan's story as she most likely was, without veering off onto a path充斥着 stereotypes, superlatives, and exaggerations.

It was an effortless yet informative historical read that provided valuable insights into the life and times of Joan d'Arc.

It allowed me to gain a better understanding of her significance and the events that surrounded her, without being overly burdened by excessive theological details.

I would highly recommend this read to anyone interested in learning more about Joan d'Arc or medieval history in general.

Joan of Arc is a remarkable figure in history.

She lived during a time of great turmoil and conflict. Born in a small village in France, she had a deep sense of religious calling from an early age.

In the midst of the Hundred Years' War between France and England, Joan believed that God had chosen her to lead the French army to victory.

Despite being a young woman with no military training, she convinced the French king to give her command.

Joan led the French army to several important victories, inspiring her troops with her courage and determination.

However, her success did not last. She was eventually captured by the English, put on trial, and burned at the stake.

Joan of Arc's life and death have become the stuff of legend. She is remembered as a national hero in France and a symbol of courage and faith.

Her story continues to inspire people around the world today.

This biography of Joan of Arc was an in-depth exploration both historically and theologically.

It might have seemed dry at times, but I persisted in reading it because I was gleaning so much knowledge.

Joan's life and her tragic death were meticulously documented, and astonishingly, all of the interviews, trial transcripts, and other relevant materials still remain.

This makes this well-researched book an extremely valuable resource for anyone like me, who has always been curious and wanted to understand "Why?"

It delves into the complex historical context of her time, the political and religious turmoil, and how Joan's beliefs and actions fit into that framework.

The author's attention to detail and thorough research are evident throughout the book, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of Joan of Arc's life and legacy.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable figure, this biography is definitely worth reading.

I truly relished Spoto's practical and down-to-earth approach to the history of Joan of Arc.

At certain moments, I experienced a slight sense of confusion as the narrative wasn't strictly chronological. He would often make references to future events, which made it a bit challenging to follow at times.

It is evident that Spoto has a deep belief in God, and on occasion, this came across as a touch preachy. However, since I am also a Christian, I didn't find myself in disagreement with his assessments.

All in all, the book was both enjoyable and educational. It provided a unique perspective on the life and times of Joan of Arc, and I would recommend it to others interested in this fascinating historical figure.

Despite its minor flaws, Spoto's work offers valuable insights and a fresh take on a well-known story.

It was truly refreshing to come across a book about Joan that didn't paint her in a negative light.

Unlike some other portrayals that characterized her as a person who was confused about her sexuality or a complete lunatic, this particular book presented a different and more nuanced view.

It was an extremely enjoyable read, one that had me completely engrossed from start to finish. I found it incredibly hard to put down, constantly eager to turn the next page and discover more about Joan's story.

After reading this book, my respect for Joan has grown even further. It has given me a new perspective on her life and experiences, and has made me appreciate her even more.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Joan or who simply enjoys a well-written and engaging story.

Great read!

This is the first book that provides us with the full transcription of Joan's interrogation. It is truly a remarkable piece of work.

Joan's poise and coolness under such terrifying conditions are spine-tingling. It is hard to imagine how she was able to maintain her composure in the face of such extreme pressure.

Her actions and words during the interrogation are not only inspiring but also a testament to her unwavering belief and courage. She stands as a symbol of strength and determination, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Reading this book gives us a unique insight into Joan's character and the events that surrounded her. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, courage, and the power of the human spirit.

Fabulous book about Joan of Arc!

It is a truly engaging read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The pacing is excellent, ensuring that the story unfolds at just the right speed. What's more, the research that went into this book is evident.

However, it should be noted that it is not overly in-depth or academic. Perhaps I would have liked a bit more of that aspect to really explore the life and times of Joan of Arc in greater detail.

Nonetheless, for those who are looking for an introduction to St. Joan, this book definitely fits the bill. It provides a great overview of her life, her achievements, and her significance.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about this remarkable historical figure.