Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

<p>Regarded by many as the most luminous example of Mark Twain's work this fictional biography of Joan of Arc was purportedly written by Joan's page and secretary -- Sieur Louis de Conté. (Twain's alter ego even shared the author's same initials -- S. L. C.) Told from the viewpoint of this lifelong friend the historical novel is a panorama of stirring scenes and marvel of pageantry -- from Joan's early childhood in Domremy and her touching story of the voices to the fight for Orleans the taking of Tourelles and Jargeau and the splendid march to Rheims.<br>But above all the work is an amazing record that disclosed Twain's unrestrained admiration of the French heroine's nobility of character. Throughout his life she remained his favorite historical figure -- the most innocent the most lovely the most adorable child the ages have produced.<br>Completed when the author was nearly sixty the book reveals a splendidly expressive side of Twain who wrote I like the <i>Joan of Arc</i> best of all my books; & it is the best; I know it perfectly well. And besides it furnished me seven times the pleasure afforded me by any of the others: 12 years of preparation & 2 years of writing. The others needed no preparation & got none.<br>Matchless in its workmanship this lesser work will charm -- and delightfully surprise -- admirers and devotees of the great American author.</p>