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Joan of Arc: A Life Inspired
Joan of Arc was declared a saint in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV, who called her a “most brilliantly shining light of God.” From her story emerges a persona that millions, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, have come to regard as the embodiment of courage and faith.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 11, 2022
I hate to be a downer but I'm debating between 1 (didn't like) and 2 (it was okay) stars for this. I didn't really know much about Joan of Arc before reading this and I'm not sure I can say I know much about her after. (Okay, so maybe I know a little more now.) The book reads more like someone's research and seems to almost presuppose the reader already has some basic knowledge about her. In fact, everything seems to be covered only briefly until her interrogations and trials, which are covered in extensive and repetitious detail. I've recently gained a newfound interest in European history but I think I'd have been better served by a good book on the Hundred Years War, which would probably cover everything I really need to know about Joan of Arc.
February 2, 2021
A rather quick historical look at Joan of Arc. I confess to knowing little of her life except that which shows in popular culture so this was rather enlightening. I was surprised how much is known of her life, and especially how much of her trial court records remain. I found this to be a very interesting and easy to read for a no-frills biography. Great introduction to the timeline and events concerning Joan of Arc.
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March 7, 2023A quick and simple guide to Joan of Arc’s life. It debunked some misconceptions about the maiden and went into detail about her trials. I know that the details about her life are obscure, but it barely explored enough to be considered a biography.
February 6, 2022
Good synopsis-needs a better editor
This book is a great synopsis of the life of Joan of Arc. However, the book has some spelling errors that are a bit distracting. It’s
Not overwhelming and the book is still worth reading. It’s a short and succinct biography of the Patron Saint of France.
This book is a great synopsis of the life of Joan of Arc. However, the book has some spelling errors that are a bit distracting. It’s
Not overwhelming and the book is still worth reading. It’s a short and succinct biography of the Patron Saint of France.
July 5, 2020
A no-frills history
This was a very good, detailed, history of Joan of Arc. The author was clear in explaining the events surrounding Joan of Arc's life.
This was a very good, detailed, history of Joan of Arc. The author was clear in explaining the events surrounding Joan of Arc's life.
October 7, 2021
Meh. I realize that you can only fit so much information into 120 pages, but I would have liked more information on her actual life than the trial. (Maybe there just isn't very much about her actual life though. Plus, the trial itself was interesting.) I didn't know much about Joan before reading this. I don't feel like I know her much better after finishing the book, which is odd because that was my whole intention in reading it in the first place.
August 10, 2019
I'm not a fan of North's biographies. They are too abridged and cause confusion. I know about St Joan and this book confused me. I fear that someone who reads this without knowing much about her will be completely lost.
April 22, 2019
Wyatt North's Joan of Arc: A Life Inspired is a short enjoyable read. It is not fiction. It is a biographical note of 93 pages that covers the short life of Jeanne d'Arc who was canonized (i.e., declared a saint) in 1920 five hundred years after her untimely death by burning at the stake at the age of 19. She was the Maid of Orleans whose prophecies and divinely inspired help enabled Charles VII as king of France and whose prophecies predicted with uncanny accuracy for the most part France's overthrow and eviction of English forces and the monarchy from France during the Hundred Years' War.
North's biographical note gives the reader a short history of the Hundred Years' War, the alliances of the English and the French, Joan's prophecies and how she came to be known as the Maid of Orleans, her role in helping Charles VII ascend the throne for which he then turned traitor to her, her capture outside the French town of Compiègne in May 1430, and the trial(s), her death (though thankfully it was not in a lot of gore) as well as the rehabilitation trial after her death that eventually led to her being declared a saint.
The biographical note is mostly a factual account with some religious overtones but carefully done so that it is not preachy or overly condescending of those who opposed Joan and her mission. North also accounts to some small degree for views of modern scholars and historians as to their belief as to the cause for her visions and voices that resulted in her prophecies.
It is a quick easy read that is a good jumping off point for further study into the life of Joan of Arc. I do note that if the book should be republished, there are certain editing issues that should be clarified and/or corrected. My Kindle notes in Goodreads are visible. I would also have liked to have had more explanation (or a reference back to where it earlier in the narrative) about the "sign" Joan gave the dauphin (i.e., Charles VII before he was crowned) when she went to him in Chinon.
I received the book via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.
North's biographical note gives the reader a short history of the Hundred Years' War, the alliances of the English and the French, Joan's prophecies and how she came to be known as the Maid of Orleans, her role in helping Charles VII ascend the throne for which he then turned traitor to her, her capture outside the French town of Compiègne in May 1430, and the trial(s), her death (though thankfully it was not in a lot of gore) as well as the rehabilitation trial after her death that eventually led to her being declared a saint.
The biographical note is mostly a factual account with some religious overtones but carefully done so that it is not preachy or overly condescending of those who opposed Joan and her mission. North also accounts to some small degree for views of modern scholars and historians as to their belief as to the cause for her visions and voices that resulted in her prophecies.
It is a quick easy read that is a good jumping off point for further study into the life of Joan of Arc. I do note that if the book should be republished, there are certain editing issues that should be clarified and/or corrected. My Kindle notes in Goodreads are visible. I would also have liked to have had more explanation (or a reference back to where it earlier in the narrative) about the "sign" Joan gave the dauphin (i.e., Charles VII before he was crowned) when she went to him in Chinon.
I received the book via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2019
Disturbing and inspiring at the same time
The story of Joan d's Arc is equally inspiring and disturbing at the same time. Some non believers tend to argue that "the voices" was a result of Joan potentially suffering from hallucinations as a result of some undiagnosed mental problems during her lifetime. Whether Joan was for.real.or not, there was no doubt that she truly did believe that she was carrying out God's will. The fact that she was a mere "unlettered peasant woman" doesn't give the so-called "learned men" the reason to manipulate her as a political pawn. The manner in which her trials and interrogations were conducted were disgusting, and was not in any way reminiscent of how learned people should conduct themselves. The Church Militant who claimed to be responsible for the salvation of mankind had put to death a poor peasant girl for political gains. Utterly shameful.
I'm so disturbed by this book, yet I'm also inspired by Joan's determination and piety.
The story of Joan d's Arc is equally inspiring and disturbing at the same time. Some non believers tend to argue that "the voices" was a result of Joan potentially suffering from hallucinations as a result of some undiagnosed mental problems during her lifetime. Whether Joan was for.real.or not, there was no doubt that she truly did believe that she was carrying out God's will. The fact that she was a mere "unlettered peasant woman" doesn't give the so-called "learned men" the reason to manipulate her as a political pawn. The manner in which her trials and interrogations were conducted were disgusting, and was not in any way reminiscent of how learned people should conduct themselves. The Church Militant who claimed to be responsible for the salvation of mankind had put to death a poor peasant girl for political gains. Utterly shameful.
I'm so disturbed by this book, yet I'm also inspired by Joan's determination and piety.
December 4, 2020
Maybe 3 1/2 stars. This was a good overview of Joan of Arc's life. (It's a very short book.) I found it a little hard to follow--I think it was all the French names and numerous authority figures, not so much the fault of the author. It is amazing that this illiterate teenager was able to gain access to the king and lead armies into battle. A lot of the book covers her trials, which seemed very long and detailed. Incredible that this young girl was kept in shackles in prison, then burned at the stake on trumped up charges of heresy; it makes me appreciate that modern society no longer does such things, although some of the political maneuverings, betrayals and lies seem very familiar regarding our current news and events. Joan was an interesting figure--definitely not without her flaws. I guess it's a good reminder that you don't have to be perfect to be a saint.
December 6, 2019
A terrific account of Joan Of Arcs' life. I knew some of the more popular facts but not the historical time frame or overall significance of her life in France and England for that matter. I am inspired.
I have read some of Wyatt North's work. Now, after listening to this I want to listen to them all. I got so much more out of it. Lawrence F. Yaklin did an outstanding job bringing it all to life in a way that was interesting & true to the content.
I recieved a free Audible copy of this account, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
I have read some of Wyatt North's work. Now, after listening to this I want to listen to them all. I got so much more out of it. Lawrence F. Yaklin did an outstanding job bringing it all to life in a way that was interesting & true to the content.
I recieved a free Audible copy of this account, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
May 20, 2020
Wow. I just keep thinking, would we be willing to give our life for the cause of Christ. I heard a preacher preach about her many years ago. Because of that preacher and that sermon, I have been intrigued about the life of Joan of Arc. This is the most descriptive biography that I have read thus far.
It's like I can hear her calling on Jesus as she burned...God help us!
It's like I can hear her calling on Jesus as she burned...God help us!
March 8, 2019
Very enlightening and informative story about a Saint
The author has written a very comprehensive book on the life of Saint Joan of Arc. This book reveals when bias and prejudice is allowed to prevail justice is not served.
The author has written a very comprehensive book on the life of Saint Joan of Arc. This book reveals when bias and prejudice is allowed to prevail justice is not served.
April 26, 2019
Enjoyed this factual account very much !
I could not put this book down. Chronological, factual without romanticizing. I recommend this book to anyone who is curious, not just to the life of but also the trial of Joan of Arc.
I could not put this book down. Chronological, factual without romanticizing. I recommend this book to anyone who is curious, not just to the life of but also the trial of Joan of Arc.
April 27, 2019
Joan of Arc
I enjoyed reading this short book about Joan. I never really knew all the false accusations that were brought against her. How the judges just wanted authority over the simple faith of a girl doing God's will. The same is happening even today. When will it STOP!
I enjoyed reading this short book about Joan. I never really knew all the false accusations that were brought against her. How the judges just wanted authority over the simple faith of a girl doing God's will. The same is happening even today. When will it STOP!
June 24, 2019
Quick Read
Very brief historical account of Joan of Arc. I have never studied the life and trial of Joan of Arc, so cannot say as to the accuracy of this account. Interesting read, nonetheless. I would recommend this book.
Very brief historical account of Joan of Arc. I have never studied the life and trial of Joan of Arc, so cannot say as to the accuracy of this account. Interesting read, nonetheless. I would recommend this book.
October 24, 2019
A short but informative book about the life of a most amazing woman.
I reccomend this book for someone who wants to know who Joan of Arc was, what she accomplished and what she endured.
I reccomend this book for someone who wants to know who Joan of Arc was, what she accomplished and what she endured.
May 29, 2020
Awesome woman
I love learning about Joan and have read many books about her. This one had info I have never seen before. I like the chapter about popular culture and how she is still relevant today.
I love learning about Joan and have read many books about her. This one had info I have never seen before. I like the chapter about popular culture and how she is still relevant today.
March 1, 2022
Inspiring
This is a brief account of the life of Joan of Arc. The author has done a good job of documenting the important facts about the life and death of this heroic woman and the controversies surrounding her trials.
This is a brief account of the life of Joan of Arc. The author has done a good job of documenting the important facts about the life and death of this heroic woman and the controversies surrounding her trials.
March 10, 2019
What a woman!
Fascinating account of a heroic woman who, guided by voices from heaven, achieved the impossible, and showed up the falsity of those with ‘hidden’ agendas.
Fascinating account of a heroic woman who, guided by voices from heaven, achieved the impossible, and showed up the falsity of those with ‘hidden’ agendas.
April 28, 2019
An interesting read
A well documented book taking you through the life and death of Joan of Arc. I gained a greater understanding and respect for this iconic figure of history.
A well documented book taking you through the life and death of Joan of Arc. I gained a greater understanding and respect for this iconic figure of history.
May 2, 2019
Interesting
A good book to read, if you are interested in history and people who have changed the world in some way.
A good book to read, if you are interested in history and people who have changed the world in some way.
July 30, 2019
Heaven and hell
When will we learn from our pride that evil exist. The hate then still exist today. The road to hell is paved with HATE.
When will we learn from our pride that evil exist. The hate then still exist today. The road to hell is paved with HATE.
August 9, 2019
Very interesting book
I really enjoyed this little book. It gave me a good insight of Joan of Arc. I would encourage anyone to read this book.
I really enjoyed this little book. It gave me a good insight of Joan of Arc. I would encourage anyone to read this book.
October 17, 2019
Good informative read as all books by Wyatt North are, he is an exceptional writer.
February 1, 2020
Trial information more than a story
It was painful to read how she was mistreated after her capture. This is the bulk of the book. Informative on the way the trial was mishandled.
It was painful to read how she was mistreated after her capture. This is the bulk of the book. Informative on the way the trial was mishandled.
March 12, 2020
Good story of courage. Very concise and easy to read, not bogged down with a lot of details.
October 29, 2020
Interesting, quick read.
May 3, 2021
Very Interesting
A quick read and very interesting. I had heard about Joan but had never read her whole story. Again very interesting.
A quick read and very interesting. I had heard about Joan but had never read her whole story. Again very interesting.
July 27, 2023
wonderful
Very informative reading. It captured my attention and allowed me to expand my understanding of true faith. Truth has a way of revealing itself.
Very informative reading. It captured my attention and allowed me to expand my understanding of true faith. Truth has a way of revealing itself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews