Publisher Description

Since her death at the age of nineteen in 1431, Joan of Arc has maintained a remarkable hold on our collective imagination. She was a teenager of astonishing common sense and a national heroine who led men in to battle as a courageous warrior. Yet she was also abandoned by the king whose coronation she secured, betrayed by her countrymen, and sold to the enemy. In this meticulously researched landmark biography, Donald Spoto captures her astonishing life and the times in which she lived. Neither wife nor nun, queen nor noblewoman, philosopher nor stateswoman, Joan of Arc demonstrates that everyone who follows their heart has the power to change history.

Author Biography

Donald Spoto has written two dozen bestselling biographies of film and theater stars--among them Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, Ingrid Bergman, and Marilyn Monroe. Born in Westchester County, near New York City, he now lives in Denmark.

Review

"A fresh and definitive biography in the context of Joan of Arc's times." -- International Herald Tribune"Donald Spoto is one of the best biographers in the world today. " -- Acclaimed biographer Mary S. Lovell, author of the national bestselling The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family"A magnificent introduction to one of the most misunderstood and controversial of all the saints." -- James Martin, SJ, editor of America Magazine, author of My Life With the Saints"A worthy contribution to a renewed understanding of a figure who still speaks to today's realities." -- Library Journal"[An] engaging, and at times gripping, biography." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)"I have never read a biography that affected me so deeply as a Catholic or as a woman." -- Sr. Joan Chittister, author of Called to Question and columnist for The National Catholic Reporter"Thought provoking and very readable... Joan's story is significant and should be retold...." -- United Press International"...a lively, accessible book ...with a cogent discussion of faith, mystery and early church politics." -- Washington Times"[Spoto] approaches his subject with the sophistication of a historian and the admiration of a true believer." -- Washington Post"Spoto is a surprisingly apt biographer for [Joan] ...." -- Slate"Spoto's new biography is like bringing reality TV into a 15th century courtroom . . .a stunning miscarriage of justice." -- Denver Post

Review Quote

"Thought provoking and very readable… Joan's story is significant and should be retold…."

Description for Teachers/Educators

In the fifteenth century, during the Hundred Years' War between England and France, a teenage peasant girl followed her heart and helped save her nation. After a vision from God inspired her to take up arms and help restore the kingdom of France, Joan of Arc left home on one of the most remarkable personal quests in history. Within months Joan was directing soldiers and bravely fighting for her nation. Before long she had become a national hero and was the guest of honor at her king's coronation. Yet fame ultimately became her undoing. In this riveting, meticulously researched landmark biography, bestselling author Donald Spoto captures the astonishing life of Joan of Arc and the times in which she lived. Joan reminds us that anyone who follows their heart has the power to change history. Donald Spoto is the author of twenty published books, including bestselling biographies of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, and Ingrid Bergman, as well as The Hidden Jesus: A New Life, and Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Spoto earned his Ph.D. in theology at Fordham University. After years as a theology professor, he turned to full-time writing. Spoto lectures worldwide on social issues, theology, and the arts. "... [a] compelling paean to the virgin who saved France ... [Spoto] approaches his subject with the sophistication of a historian and the admiration of a true believer."- Washington Post

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