One of the most psychologically ambitious—and adoring—biographies of Joan of Arc available.
A new biography of Joan of Arc provides a granular account of her young personality.
This new book examines the life of Jehanne la Pucelle, popularly known as Joan of Arc. Beginning at the age of 12, Jehanne began to experience what she believed were visitations from angels, preparing her for an important mission she was to undertake on God’s behalf. She finally came to the realization that she had been appointed to lead the French against the English invaders in the first half of the 15th century, in the later stages of the Hundred Years’ War. The English military controlled most of northern France, and conventional wisdom held that Orléans was the last barrier to a decisive triumph over the French. Jehanne believed it was her divine purpose to lead French forces to victory over the English at Orléans, and to restore the legitimacy of Charles VII’s claim to the crown. She traveled an arduous journey to meet Gov. Robert de Baudricourt, whom she convinced to grant her a hearing before the king in Chinon; somewhat surprisingly, the king, convinced Jehanne was the fulfillment of an old French prophecy, had armor made for her and elevated her to the status of field commander, in charge of 500 soldiers. She then traveled to Orléans, fought with impressive valor, and suffered serious wounds. The French ultimately prevailed in Orléans, and Jehanne was considered by many to be a deciding factor in the newfound fortune of the French. MacCarthy, who has collaborated on numerous books (Only in America: The Story of the Seven Alessio Brothers, 2002, etc.), furnishes a novellike fictionalization of Jehanne’s life that attempts to plumb her inner thoughts, and not merely offer the historical details of her deeds. He begins with her early life on the family farm in Lorraine, and carefully charts the development of her commitment all the way through the battle of Orléans, which is vividly described. The author unabashedly loves his subject, and so even the most fabular elements of Jehanne’s story, doubted by many historical experts, are gushingly presented as fact. The tale, if not at a rigorous scholarly level, is still told briskly, delivering cinematic action and suspense, which should keep readers gripped. Despite its fawning excess, the book provides a captivating historical dramatization, with the emphasis on drama.
One of the most psychologically ambitious—and adoring—biographies of Joan of Arc available.Pub Date: Nov. 9, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4787-6352-9
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Outskirts
Review Posted Online: June 20, 2016
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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