The Maid and the Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc
Author(s): Nancy Goldstone
Politically astute, ambitious, and beautiful, Yolande of Aragon, queen of Sicily, was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages. Caught in the complex dynastic battle of the Hundred Years War, Yolande championed the dauphin's cause against the forces of England and Burgundy, drawing on her savvy, her statecraft, and her intimate network of spies. Even when the dauphin's own mother betrayed him, Yolande fought to save her son-in-law and his claim to the throne. But the enemy seemed invincible. Just as French hopes dimmed, an astonishingly courageous young woman named Joan of Arc arrived from the farthest recesses of the kingdom, claiming that she carried a divine message -- a message that would change the course of history and ultimately lead to the coronation of Charles VII and the triumph of France. Now, on the six hundredth anniversary of the birth of Joan of Arc, this beautifully written book explores the relationship between these two remarkable women. With irresistibly rich historic detail and stunning accounts of political intrigue, The Maid and the Queen deepens our understanding of this dramatic period in history. How did an illiterate peasant girl gain access to the future king of France, earn his trust, and eventually lead his forces into battle? Was it only the hand of God that moved Joan of Arc -- or was it also Yolande of Aragon?
General Information
- :
- : Orion Publishing Group, Limited
- : Weidenfeld & Nicolson
- : 0.306
- : 01 January 2013
- : United Kingdom
- : 01 February 2013
- : books
Other Specifications
- : Nancy Goldstone
- : Paperback
- : Mar-13
- : English
- : 320
More About The Product
An exceptionally dramatic life of Joan of Arc and her previously unchronicled mentor, Yolande of Aragon.
This new book attempts a revisionist sweep at the myth and proposes to unearth a secular basis for Joan's exploits in the form of her mentor, Yolande of Aragon. Ultimately, we can never know what really happened and this book is an entertaining look at what might have been. CATHOLIC HERALD 20130111 Gripping. THE LADY 20130125
Nancy Goldstone is the author of FOUR QUEENS - THE PROVENCAL SISTERS WHO RULED EUROPE and JOANNA.