Joan: The Mysterious Life of the Heretic Who Became a Saint

In the fifteenth century, during the Hundred Years' War between England and France, a teenage peasant girl followed her heart and helped save her nation. After a vision from God inspired her to take up arms and help restore the kingdom of France, Joan of Arc left home on one of the most remarkable personal quests in history.

Within months Joan was directing soldiers and bravely fighting for her nation. Before long she had become a national hero and was the guest of honor at her king's coronation. Yet fame ultimately became her undoing.

In this riveting, meticulously researched landmark biography, bestselling author Donald Spoto captures the astonishing life of Joan of Arc and the times in which she lived. Joan reminds us that anyone who follows their heart has the power to change history.

Donald Spoto is the author of twenty published books, including bestselling biographies of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, and Ingrid Bergman, as well as The Hidden Jesus: A New Life, and Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Spoto earned his Ph.D. in theology at Fordham University. After years as a theology professor, he turned to full-time writing. Spoto lectures worldwide on social issues, theology, and the arts.

"... [a] compelling paean to the virgin who saved France ... [Spoto] approaches his subject with the sophistication of a historian and the admiration of a true believer."

- Washington Post