Joan of Arc by Mark Twain. Short summary

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A biography of Joan of Arc, written on behalf of Louis de Conte, a man who knew her personally. A novel in three parts that tells the story of the French heroine and martyr from her youth to her death at the stake.

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A novel written on behalf of Joan of Arc’s biographer, Louis de Conte.

The novel begins with a description of de Conte’s own childhood, whose family, fleeing the war, moves to the village of Domremy, where the narrator meets the young Joan. He witnesses Jeanne’s apparition of an archangel and her belief in her mission.

The second part of the novel focuses on Jeanne leaving the village at age 17 and appearing before the king. Her belief in her mission convinces the king and he appoints her to command the army. The victories of the French army under Jeanne’s leadership are described, especially the liberation of Orleans.

After the surrender of the English at Reims, Charles is crowned. Joan wants to march on Paris. The king agrees, but then suddenly announces a truce. The Burgundians take Jeanne prisoner.

The third part of the novel describes Jeanne’s imprisonment by the English, her accusation of heresy, and her trial. Jeanne signs a renunciation. But men’s clothes are thrown into her cell. She is found to be a recidivist heretic and burned at the stake in May 1430.