Saint Joan

The life of fifteenth-century heroine Joan of Arc is the stuff of legend, and her cruel death at the stake led to her being declared a martyr. Bernard Shaw's play Saint Joan, written in 1920, was an immediate success and secured him the Nobel Prize for Literature. Despite initial criticism, the play is considered one of Shaw's finest and most important works, with an introduction by Simon Mundy and extensive explanatory notes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2022
Publisher: Renard Press Ltd

The life of fifteenth-century heroine Joan of Arc is a captivating tale that has transcended the realms of legend, and her tragic demise at the tender age of nineteen, resulting from her being burnt at the stake, has cemented her status as a martyr. This remarkable legacy has granted her an extraordinary place in history. Following her canonization in 1920, against a backdrop of overly romanticized retellings of her story, Bernard Shaw took up his pen to pen a more accurate account, devoid of demonizing her persecutors. In his preface, Shaw emphasizes that there are no villains in his play.

Despite facing initial criticism from esteemed figures such as T.S. Eliot, who expressed outrage at the frank portrayal of Joan, Saint Joan remains one of Shaw's most celebrated and significant plays. The introduction to this edition is penned by Simon Mundy, a prominent figure who has served as Vice-President of PEN International's Writers for Peace Committee for several years. Additionally, the play includes extensive explanatory notes that provide further insight into the historical context and nuances of the play.

Joan of Arc's life is a captivating blend of bravery, faith, and unwavering conviction. Born in 1412 in Domrémy, France, she emerged as a young peasant girl who claimed to be guided by divine visions. Her unwavering belief in her mission led her to confront the French military and eventually become a key player in the Hundred Years' War. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, including being imprisoned and subjected to mockery, Joan remained steadfast in her belief that she was acting on God's behalf.

Her most notable achievement occurred at Orléans in 1429, when she led the French army to a decisive victory against the English. Her bravery and leadership in the battle earned her the admiration and respect of both her allies and her enemies. However, her triumph was short-lived, as she was captured by the Burgundians and handed over to the English.

Despite her imprisonment and eventual trial, Joan maintained her innocence and refused to recant her beliefs. Her unwavering conviction and unwavering faith in her mission ultimately led to her execution at the hands of the English in 1431. However, her legacy has continued to inspire and influence people throughout the centuries.

Bernard Shaw's play, Saint Joan, offers a nuanced and accurate portrayal of Joan of Arc's life. Shaw's portrayal of Joan is complex and multifaceted, depicting her as a woman of courage, intelligence, and compassion. He avoids romanticizing her or demonizing her persecutors, instead presenting a balanced and nuanced account of her life and achievements.

One of the most striking aspects of Shaw's play is his exploration of gender roles and the societal expectations placed upon women during the fifteenth century. Joan of Arc is a woman who defies traditional gender norms and challenges the authority of male-dominated institutions. She is a leader who inspires and empowers her fellow soldiers, and her unwavering faith in her mission is a testament to her strength and resilience.

Shaw's portrayal of Joan's persecutors is also noteworthy. He does not demonize them or present them as villains, but rather as individuals who are influenced by the political and religious climate of the time. The English, in particular, are portrayed as a complex and nuanced group of people, with both good and bad qualities. This approach allows the audience to understand the complexities of the conflict and to see the human side of the characters.

One of the most significant themes in Saint Joan is the concept of heroism and the role that individuals can play in shaping history. Joan of Arc is a hero who inspires and empowers others to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity and opposition. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world, reminding us of the power of faith, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the life of fifteenth-century heroine Joan of Arc is a captivating tale that has transcended the realms of legend. Her tragic demise at the tender age of nineteen, resulting from her being burnt at the stake, has cemented her status as a martyr. Bernard Shaw's play, Saint Joan, offers a nuanced and accurate portrayal of Joan's life, exploring gender roles, societal expectations, heroism, and the power of individuals to shape history. Despite facing initial criticism, Saint Joan remains one of Shaw's most celebrated and significant plays, inspiring and empowering people throughout the centuries.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 170 x 251 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913724658