The Maid of Orleans

What it is

This satirical poem, La Pucelle d'Orléans, was written by Voltaire about Joan of Arc, circulating privately from the 1730s before pirated prints appeared in the 1750s. Voltaire later published an authorized, toned-down edition in Geneva in 1762.

Why it matters

The poem mocked the life of the not-yet-canonized Joan of Arc with bawdy and anticlerical humor, making it one of the most controversial works of its time; it was outlawed and burned in parts of Europe. Despite this, or because of it, the poem became widely read, showing how Voltaire's irreverence toward national and religious myths could spread his ideas even through banned and secret copies.

Why it matters continued

Voltaire later distanced himself from the original version after harsh criticism, claiming it had been corrupted, which shows how controversial his own satire could become even for him.

Look closer

• Why might Voltaire have wanted to write a mocking version of a national heroine's story?
• What does the illustrated execution scene suggest about the tone of the poem?
• Why might Voltaire later disown or edit his own earlier work?