Reflections of Joan of Arc

A new edition of Mark Twain's historical novel, Personal Reflections of Joan of Arc, originally published in 1896, has been released. Twain, the pen name for Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 – 1910), was an American writer, remembered by many critics as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced" and, in the words of William Faulkner, "the father of American literature." His other notable works include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884) -- often called "The Great American Novel" -- The Prince and the Pauper (1881), and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889).

In Personal Reflections of Joan of Arc, Twain presents the novel as a translation of the memoirs of Joan of Arc's personal page, Louis de Conte, telling the story of Joan's youth, her military exploits, and her trial and martyrdom. Twain considered this to be his best and most important work, the product of a decade of research and two years of painstaking writing. This work marked a notable departure from Twain's other, more famous writings, as it lacks some of his signature humor and adopts a reverential, almost hagiographic tone. Nevertheless, it still bears the author's deft touch and is an important part of the body of work of perhaps America's finest and most important writer.

Twain's portrayal of Joan of Arc is a significant contribution to the literary landscape. While his other works are renowned for their wit and satire, this novel showcases a more contemplative and reverent side of the author. The story of Joan's life, from her humble beginnings to her heroic actions on the battlefield and her tragic demise, is told with a sense of awe and respect that reflects Twain's own deep admiration for the historical figure.

The reissue of this novel provides readers with the opportunity to rediscover Twain's versatility as a writer. Beyond his well-known comedic masterpieces, he was also capable of crafting deeply moving and thought-provoking narratives that explored the human condition and the complexities of the human experience. Personal Reflections of Joan of Arc stands as a testament to Twain's literary prowess and his ability to transcend the boundaries of genre and style.

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