The career of Jeanne Dare-the name usually is written Jeanne d'Arc or Joan of Arc, an absurd equivalent-was so extraordinary, her personality was so marvellous, that she has been from the very beginning a constant source of interest to biographers and historians. She figures largely in contemporary records, not always trustworthy, but it may be worthier of credence than some critics have been willing to admit. Lives of her appeared in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and the writers of the nineteenth century have been particularly busy with her fame. Every biographer since has owed an enormous debt to Mr. Lang's work. It would be invidious to choose among the recent biographies written by Frenchmen; Mr. Lang cordially acknowledges his own obligations to them.

This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.

Contents:

Preface

Introduction - The Maid And Theories About Her

Chapter I - The Task Of Jeanne D'arc. Political Conditions

Chapter Ii - Domremy. Prophecies, Faith, And Fairies

Chapter Iii - The First Voices And Visions

Chapter Iv - Domremy In Time Of War

Chapter V - The Mission Announced. Jeanne At Neufchateau

Chapter Vi - The Siege Of Orleans Begun

Chapter Vii - Jeanne's Second Visit To Vaucouleurs

Chapter Viii - Chinon. The Kings Secret

Chapter Ix - The New St. Catherine At Poitiers

Chapter X - Jeanne At Tours.