Personal Recollections Of Joan Of Arc By The Sieur Louis De Conte (1st)

Book Code: 1111003626747

Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens), Translator: Jean Francois Alden

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc" (1896) by Mark Twain unfolds the life of Joan of Arc through the fictionalized memoirs of Sieur Louis de Conte. This two-volume book is divided into three parts, exploring Joan's early years in Domrémy, her leadership of Charles VII's army, and her trial in Rouen. Twain employs the pen name "Jean Francois Alden" for a translator's preface, lending a serious tone to the work. The narrative begins in 1492, with de Conte chronicling Joan's life from childhood, highlighting her exceptional virtues and divine visions. Book Two recounts Joan's military exploits, her triumphs, and disappointments. The final section delves into her unjust trial, emphasizing the biased proceedings and Joan's steadfastness. The novel concludes with de Conte reflecting on the impact of Joan's legacy. Twain's historical fiction masterfully weaves fact and imagination to portray the remarkable journey of Joan of Arc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 – 1910), known by the pen name Mark Twain, was a multifaceted American figure writer, humorist, essayist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. Revered as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," and hailed by William Faulkner as "the father of American literature," Twain crafted enduring works. Notable among his novels are The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), often hailed as the "Great American Novel." Twain's literary repertoire also includes A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894). His venture into straight fiction, Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, a cherished childhood dream, drew criticism but reflected Twain's enduring pride. Despite financial setbacks in publishing, Twain's literary legacy remains significant.