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Joan of Arc: Warrior Saint
Could any story be more inspiring than that of Joan of Arc, the courageous maiden who fought for the glory of France and God? Guided by what she firmly believed were visions of saints, this young Frenchwoman—still just 16 years old—led her people in battle against the British occupiers. Though she proved victorious in war, Joan ultimately became a martyr when some of her own countrymen betrayed her to the English. Jay Williams captures all the tragedy and pathos of the fearless country girl who was finally recognized as a saint herself.
126 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
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About the author
Jay Williams
158 books41 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Jay Williams (May 31, 1914–July 12, 1978) was an American author born in Buffalo, New York, the son of Max and Lillian Jacobson. He cited the experience of growing up as the son of a vaudeville show producer as leading him to pursue his acting career as early as college. Between 1931 and 1934 he attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University where he took part in amateur theatrical productions.
Out of school and out of work during the end of the Depression, he worked as a comedian on the upstate New York Borscht Belt circuit. From 1936 until 1941, Jay Williams worked as a press agent for Dwight Deere Winman, Jed Harris and the Hollywood Theatre Alliance. And even though he played a feature role in the Cannes prize winning film, The Little Fugitive produced in 1953, he turned his attention to writing as a full time career after his discharge from the Army in 1945. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. While serving in the Army he published his first book, The Stolen Oracle, in 1943.
Williams may be best-known for his young adult "Danny Dunn" science fiction/fantasy series which he co-authored with Raymond Abrashkin. Though Abrashkin died in 1960, he is listed as co-author of all 15 books of this series, which continued from 1956 until 1977. Jay Williams also wrote mysteries for young adults, such as The Stolen Oracle, The Counterfeit African, and The Roman Moon Mystery.
In all, he published at least 79 books including 11 picture books, 39 children's novels, 7 adult mysteries, 4 nonfiction books, 8 historical novels and a play.
Williams and his wife Barbara Girsdansky were married June 3, 1941. They had a son, Christopher ("Chris"), and a daughter, Victoria. Jay Williams died at age 64 from a heart attack while on a trip to London on July 12, 1978.
Jay Williams (May 31, 1914–July 12, 1978) was an American author born in Buffalo, New York, the son of Max and Lillian Jacobson. He cited the experience of growing up as the son of a vaudeville show producer as leading him to pursue his acting career as early as college. Between 1931 and 1934 he attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University where he took part in amateur theatrical productions.
Out of school and out of work during the end of the Depression, he worked as a comedian on the upstate New York Borscht Belt circuit. From 1936 until 1941, Jay Williams worked as a press agent for Dwight Deere Winman, Jed Harris and the Hollywood Theatre Alliance. And even though he played a feature role in the Cannes prize winning film, The Little Fugitive produced in 1953, he turned his attention to writing as a full time career after his discharge from the Army in 1945. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. While serving in the Army he published his first book, The Stolen Oracle, in 1943.
Williams may be best-known for his young adult "Danny Dunn" science fiction/fantasy series which he co-authored with Raymond Abrashkin. Though Abrashkin died in 1960, he is listed as co-author of all 15 books of this series, which continued from 1956 until 1977. Jay Williams also wrote mysteries for young adults, such as The Stolen Oracle, The Counterfeit African, and The Roman Moon Mystery.
In all, he published at least 79 books including 11 picture books, 39 children's novels, 7 adult mysteries, 4 nonfiction books, 8 historical novels and a play.
Williams and his wife Barbara Girsdansky were married June 3, 1941. They had a son, Christopher ("Chris"), and a daughter, Victoria. Jay Williams died at age 64 from a heart attack while on a trip to London on July 12, 1978.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 27, 2017
1) "Elle avait alors douze ans, ou à peu près. Voici ce qu'elle raconta par la suite: elle se trouvait dans le jardin de ses parents, quand, soudain, une éblouissante clarté illumina le ciel à sa droite, dans la direction de l'église. Et une voix s'éleva dans les airs qui lui dit: 'Jeanne, sois bonne et pieuse! Car tu dois accomplir de grandes choses!' C'était une expérience fantastique et elle en fut fort effrayée, bien que la voix fût douce et rassurante. Quelques jours plus tard, elle la réentendit, accompagnée par la même clarté étincelante. A la troisième fois, elle sut qui lui parlait: c'était l'Archange Michel, capitaine des armées du ciel et défenseur de la France."
2) "Jeanne avait promis trois choses au Dauphin: de lever le siège d'Orléans, de le conduire à Reims pour le faire sacrer, et de bouter les Anglais hors de France. La première de ses trois promesses étant réalisée, elle s'attaqua à la seconde. Mais les circonstances et les hommes semblèrent s'allier contre elle.
En premier lieu, pour atteindre Reims, les Français devaient traverser un territoire dont presque toutes les villes et les cités étaient entre les mains des Anglais et des Bourguignons. En second lieu, les conseillers du Dauphin étaient opposés au plan de Jeanne. Chacun d'eux, pour des raisons qui lui étaient propres, était décidé à retarder, si possible à gêner, tout ce que décidait la Pucelle. Quoiqu'ils fussent en désaccord sur un grand nombre de sujets, ils étaient unis dans le mécontentement de voir une petite paysanne de dix-sept ans conquérir l'adoration du peuple et la faveur du Dauphin. Certes, ils avaient hâte de fair couronner Charles... mais pas tout de suite, pas avant d'avoir réalisé leurs objectifs individuels."
3) "Charles VII entra dans Reims le 16 juillet 1429, suivi de Jeanne, des seigneurs et des princes. Les maîtres des guildes, les bourgeois, les marchands, tous portant les bannières et les emblèmes de leurs corporations, se pressèrent à la rencontre du cortège. Le lendemain matin, à neuf heures, Charles pénétra dans la cathédrale. Jeanne se tenait à son coté, portant son étandard roulé. Il y eut une longue attente pendant qu'une procession de moines et de clercs de l'Abbaye de St-Rémi longeait lentement les rues, portant le saint onguent. A la porte de la cathédrale, le flacon fut tendu à l'archevêque, Regnault de Chartres, qui le porta jusqu'à l'autel.
De son cousin, Alençon, Charles reçut la ceinture et les éperons de chevalier. La tête couverte, la main sur l'Évangile, il jura de défendre l'Église, de bannir les hérétiques, de préserver son peuple et de le gouverner avec justice et merci. 'Ceci, je dis et jure par serment', déclara-t-il.
Les barons placèrent sur ses épaules un manteau bleu semé de fleurs de lis. Ils le ceignirent d'une épée, lui donnèrent le sceptre et la main de justice. L'archevêque prit le flacon de cristal, et, s'étant versé quelques gouttes d'onguent sur le bout des doigts, fit le signe de la croix sur le front de Charles. 'Je te consacre', dit-il, 'avec cette huile sainte, au no du Père, du Fils et du Saint-Esprit'.
Une couronne fut placée sur la tête de Charles. Ce n'était pas l'ancienne couronne de Charlemagne, resplendissante de rubis et de saphirs, mais une autre, plus modeste, fournie par les chanoines de la cathédrale. Charles se leva: il n'était plus Dauphin, mais Roi de France. On le conduisit au trône tandis que dans la grande nef de l'église, s'élevait la voix de l'archevêque: 'Longue vie au Roi de France!'"
4) "La Pucelle était morte. Ses cendres avait été rassemblées et jetées dans les eaux sales de la Seine. Le conseil royal anglais envoyait à présent des lettres aux princes et aux gens de l'Église pour leur dire qu'une puissante et dangereuse hérétique avait été détruite. Mais ce que Jeanne avait fait ne pouvait être éffacé. Et il était plus difficile de se débarrasser de son âme que de son corps."
2) "Jeanne avait promis trois choses au Dauphin: de lever le siège d'Orléans, de le conduire à Reims pour le faire sacrer, et de bouter les Anglais hors de France. La première de ses trois promesses étant réalisée, elle s'attaqua à la seconde. Mais les circonstances et les hommes semblèrent s'allier contre elle.
En premier lieu, pour atteindre Reims, les Français devaient traverser un territoire dont presque toutes les villes et les cités étaient entre les mains des Anglais et des Bourguignons. En second lieu, les conseillers du Dauphin étaient opposés au plan de Jeanne. Chacun d'eux, pour des raisons qui lui étaient propres, était décidé à retarder, si possible à gêner, tout ce que décidait la Pucelle. Quoiqu'ils fussent en désaccord sur un grand nombre de sujets, ils étaient unis dans le mécontentement de voir une petite paysanne de dix-sept ans conquérir l'adoration du peuple et la faveur du Dauphin. Certes, ils avaient hâte de fair couronner Charles... mais pas tout de suite, pas avant d'avoir réalisé leurs objectifs individuels."
3) "Charles VII entra dans Reims le 16 juillet 1429, suivi de Jeanne, des seigneurs et des princes. Les maîtres des guildes, les bourgeois, les marchands, tous portant les bannières et les emblèmes de leurs corporations, se pressèrent à la rencontre du cortège. Le lendemain matin, à neuf heures, Charles pénétra dans la cathédrale. Jeanne se tenait à son coté, portant son étandard roulé. Il y eut une longue attente pendant qu'une procession de moines et de clercs de l'Abbaye de St-Rémi longeait lentement les rues, portant le saint onguent. A la porte de la cathédrale, le flacon fut tendu à l'archevêque, Regnault de Chartres, qui le porta jusqu'à l'autel.
De son cousin, Alençon, Charles reçut la ceinture et les éperons de chevalier. La tête couverte, la main sur l'Évangile, il jura de défendre l'Église, de bannir les hérétiques, de préserver son peuple et de le gouverner avec justice et merci. 'Ceci, je dis et jure par serment', déclara-t-il.
Les barons placèrent sur ses épaules un manteau bleu semé de fleurs de lis. Ils le ceignirent d'une épée, lui donnèrent le sceptre et la main de justice. L'archevêque prit le flacon de cristal, et, s'étant versé quelques gouttes d'onguent sur le bout des doigts, fit le signe de la croix sur le front de Charles. 'Je te consacre', dit-il, 'avec cette huile sainte, au no du Père, du Fils et du Saint-Esprit'.
Une couronne fut placée sur la tête de Charles. Ce n'était pas l'ancienne couronne de Charlemagne, resplendissante de rubis et de saphirs, mais une autre, plus modeste, fournie par les chanoines de la cathédrale. Charles se leva: il n'était plus Dauphin, mais Roi de France. On le conduisit au trône tandis que dans la grande nef de l'église, s'élevait la voix de l'archevêque: 'Longue vie au Roi de France!'"
4) "La Pucelle était morte. Ses cendres avait été rassemblées et jetées dans les eaux sales de la Seine. Le conseil royal anglais envoyait à présent des lettres aux princes et aux gens de l'Église pour leur dire qu'une puissante et dangereuse hérétique avait été détruite. Mais ce que Jeanne avait fait ne pouvait être éffacé. Et il était plus difficile de se débarrasser de son âme que de son corps."
November 8, 2024
First, I have to mention the layout of this book because it is the reason I almost set it aside and never started it to go along with our history unit. The book is larger than average and a mixture of art and text. The problem with that is it makes it hard to know where to read and the images frequently are not about what you are reading on the page you are on. The best work around we discovered midway through was for me to read only the text for the 12 pages or so we were reading that day and after to show all the art within those 12 pages. Otherwise it was too choppy and confusing.
So, layout aside, I am really glad we didn't pass on this book. It was very interesting and engaging and it always seemed to be on a cliffhanger when we finished for the day which is not a complaint. I always want my daughter to be anxious to hear the next part about history. We learned so much about Joan and the unjust situation she was in for her imprisonment, trial, and execution. I will be the first to admit I struggle with French names and pronunciation but Joan's story made me want to try and persevere.
So, layout aside, I am really glad we didn't pass on this book. It was very interesting and engaging and it always seemed to be on a cliffhanger when we finished for the day which is not a complaint. I always want my daughter to be anxious to hear the next part about history. We learned so much about Joan and the unjust situation she was in for her imprisonment, trial, and execution. I will be the first to admit I struggle with French names and pronunciation but Joan's story made me want to try and persevere.
July 9, 2022
Wonderful! Clear historical account with abundant illustrations. “She is entirely human and never was humanity greater.” Pierre Champion
they asked her was Saint Michael naked? Do you think God has nothing with which to clothe him? She replied. did they have hair? It is comfort to know they have, she replied. Did those of your party believe you were sent from God? I do not know whether they do, and you are to ask them for their opinion. But whether they do or not, nevertheless I am sent from God. I have no intention of departing from the counsel of our Lord.
they asked her was Saint Michael naked? Do you think God has nothing with which to clothe him? She replied. did they have hair? It is comfort to know they have, she replied. Did those of your party believe you were sent from God? I do not know whether they do, and you are to ask them for their opinion. But whether they do or not, nevertheless I am sent from God. I have no intention of departing from the counsel of our Lord.
March 18, 2021
I have always wanted to understand more about Joan of Arc. This book does a great job of explaining her story. I found the cast of characters list at the beginning of the story as helpful along with a map, so I could understand the distances of all the towns she went to.
This book did an excellent job of giving the facts that we know and possibilities of the uncertainties.
This book did an excellent job of giving the facts that we know and possibilities of the uncertainties.
December 18, 2025
This book is a very nice concise story of the life of Saint Joan of Arc. The book has great illustrations that add to the telling of her life. I recommend this book for those that want to know of the life of this remarkable young woman who was beatifies and then designated a saint.
June 5, 2025
Good solid biography about Joan of arc.
February 3, 2025
Jeanne d’Arc- a product of lies, mental delusions, political scapegoat or messenger of god?
The biblical mysticism surrounding this peasant girl turned military leader has sustained fascination amongst scholars and philosophers, since the moment she first glanced angels in her garden.
In her historical context, her visions spurned revolution amongst accusations of heresy and witchcraft. How does an illiterate peasant girl turn military leader gain the support of the people and Dauphin? If one theorised it a political ruse, then would it not be obvious that, given their status in society at the time, a woman would be the least influential choice? Perhaps she was a liar? To what end or means did this purpose serve her, an end in which she was burnt after refusing to deny her visions or conversations with God.
If one were to judge her through the lenses of psychology, they would be quick to realise the irrelevance of a diagnosis given the absolute structure of French society in the 1400s. Built on Catholicism, God facilitated societal order just as politics does today, under the guise of a different faith - and Jeanne was notorious for her devout christianity. One could not look back and diagnose her as mentally ill, as her visions and views did not diverge so heavily from the norms of her religious-social context, nor in a way that indicates she was negatively influenced by symptomatic byproducts.
However enticing these questions are, this book stands to reason that her accomplishments and actions are concretely real. Beyond metaphysical reasoning, evidence of her inspiring life stands alone. She is not denoted or dismissed by modern writing, rather she is martyred in this book and we are given the means to take what evidence we have and admire her as she is and through what she has achieved.
This book did an incredible service in captivating the fascination behind Jeanne d’Arc, and exploring it in such a way that it will continue to do so well after finishing it.
The biblical mysticism surrounding this peasant girl turned military leader has sustained fascination amongst scholars and philosophers, since the moment she first glanced angels in her garden.
In her historical context, her visions spurned revolution amongst accusations of heresy and witchcraft. How does an illiterate peasant girl turn military leader gain the support of the people and Dauphin? If one theorised it a political ruse, then would it not be obvious that, given their status in society at the time, a woman would be the least influential choice? Perhaps she was a liar? To what end or means did this purpose serve her, an end in which she was burnt after refusing to deny her visions or conversations with God.
If one were to judge her through the lenses of psychology, they would be quick to realise the irrelevance of a diagnosis given the absolute structure of French society in the 1400s. Built on Catholicism, God facilitated societal order just as politics does today, under the guise of a different faith - and Jeanne was notorious for her devout christianity. One could not look back and diagnose her as mentally ill, as her visions and views did not diverge so heavily from the norms of her religious-social context, nor in a way that indicates she was negatively influenced by symptomatic byproducts.
However enticing these questions are, this book stands to reason that her accomplishments and actions are concretely real. Beyond metaphysical reasoning, evidence of her inspiring life stands alone. She is not denoted or dismissed by modern writing, rather she is martyred in this book and we are given the means to take what evidence we have and admire her as she is and through what she has achieved.
This book did an incredible service in captivating the fascination behind Jeanne d’Arc, and exploring it in such a way that it will continue to do so well after finishing it.
July 17, 2012
Joan of Arc is a very amazing person. This book follows Joan throughout her life and everything that she has to go through. She died when the men was not happy with what she has done, taking things upon herself.
I have always admired Joan of Arc. I love it when females, espically back then, decided to take things into their own hands. Women are very powerful creatures. I wish that she was able to stay alive to know that she has done something that was going to change history.
I have always admired Joan of Arc. I love it when females, espically back then, decided to take things into their own hands. Women are very powerful creatures. I wish that she was able to stay alive to know that she has done something that was going to change history.
May 5, 2013
Without a whole lot of bragging I can say that I know quite a bit about Jeanne d'Arc. She has always been one of my favourite women in history - an attraction that started when I found out that she was burned on my birthday, May 30th. So I wasn't really expecting to learn that much new from this book. An true none of the big things were new to me, but there were a few smaller things that I'd not heard before, so that's always a great thing, to get schooled in something you didn't expect.
April 18, 2023
This was one of my very favorite books I borrowed from my school library. I probably checked it out around six times while I was in grade school. It has beautiful illustrations, a clearly written and understandable text, and I was so happy when I received a hardcover book I found!
📕 Media form: Read from my private library.
📕 Media form: Read from my private library.
May 5, 2009
An interesting synopsis of The Maid. I thought it laid out the chronology of events in her life very well. I also appreciated that most of what was written was derived from records left by people who interacted with her.
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February 8, 2011This book is really entertaining and it tells the story of Joan of Arc in details but the introduction lack.She firmly believed the visions were guide from gods.
July 18, 2012
Loved this book from when I was a child, fueled my obsession for Joan. Lots of pics :)
February 15, 2014
Good kids history resource.
January 6, 2015
I'm not sure if this is exactly the one I read. But the one I read was fictitious and it kinda disappointed me.
August 3, 2024
"People can worship dead saints but will forever be inconvenienced by live ones."
December 29, 2012
Beautiful.
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August 27, 2017facklitt
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews