The Story of Joan of Arc

What it is

This is an audio reading of The Story of Joan of Arc by Andrew Lang, part of the Children's Heroes Series, with pictures by J. Jellicoe. The book was published in London by T. C. and E. C. Jack and in New York by E. P. Dutton. The recording is a LibriVox volunteer reading, not Joan's own voice. The book covers her mission, trial and death.

Why it matters

Lang's book is a popular retelling for young readers, showing how Joan was presented to British and American children. Its description notes that she claimed divine guidance and led French forces to victories in the Hundred Years' War, which paved the way for the coronation of Charles VII. The record also notes that she was sold to the English, put on trial, and burned at the stake at 19. Lang's dedication to a young friend points readers to a published record of the trial as evidence against those who doubt she lived.

Look closer

• How does the book describe Joan's claim to divine guidance, and how does it present her decisions?
• Why might a children's series about heroes choose to tell the story of a trial and execution?
• Whose account does the author rely on when answering people who doubt Joan lived, and whose accounts might be missing?