May 8, 1429 ended the Seige of Orléans (12 October 1428-8 May 1429), saved by the leadership of Joan of Arc. She said she was visited by St Michael at 13, and continued to hear his voice for guidance.
To find out more, I just go to my Landmark Books section of the library to read “Joan of Arc” by Nancy Wilson Ross, 1953. I love this series of books. One can find stories of people that are truly amazing. The writing is for younger minds, in a style that will bring them right to the event or person that they are reading about. It makes history fun. This book is a great example.
Joan of Arc had visions to save France. She was allowed to go to Orléans to fight the English who were holding seige on the city. She wanted to immediately attack, based on her visions of God’s will, but orders were changed on her when she arrived.
She was told by officers there that instead of fighting, they were to try and supply the city by sneaking boats upstream, even though the wind had for weeks been blowing down stream, making the venture imposible. Joan argued with those in charge of the changes of fighting quoting ” Do you know more about what is right than Heaven does? I am being guided…and you ignore it.” She held up her banner. Suddenly the wind changed to allow the boats of supplies to be floated upstream. Joan went with the first boats, and gave renewed hope to the city. The French now believed in her.
After numerous battles, and several personal injuries, including an arrow shot through her collarbone, the English finally retreated from the city. Joan of Arc had revitalized the French, and was named “the Maid of Orléans.” It was the first of several battles that she help to win. The battles won there, changed the direction of the Hundred Years War, though her personal well-being took a definite turn for the worse. This book is a wonderful read about Joan of Arc.
The book is also illustrated by Valenti Angelo. He illustrated over 250 books, many for Peter Pauper Press, one of my first collecting passions. He also wrote many books, winning the Newberry Honor for his book “Nino”.
What is the difference between Noah’s Ark and Joan of Arc? One is made of wood and the other Maid of Orléans.
Thanks for reading.
Librarytomes 