Joan of Arc - The Life of a French Cultural Icon

Traces contemporary and later reception of Joan of Arc, examining how cultural beliefs and conventions have shaped her story.

Joan of Arc stands out as one of the most recognized historical figures of medieval Europe. Learned writings as well as popular imagination, from the Middle Ages to today, have celebrated her as an exceptional character and hailed her legacy. And yet, there is scant recognition of her enduring status as an icon.

What is one to make of a young, female medieval peasant-turned-warrior-turned-heretic-turned-martyr who has repeatedly been drawn back from oblivion, revived, and made relevant time and again? Unravelling the mystery of this question requires revisiting contemporary and historical accounts, listening anew to Joan's "voice" as seen in her letters and trial documents, and inquiring into the lively debate her afterlife has generated in the arts, from paintings and sculptures to romance, theatre and cinema. To unearth this new story of Joan of Arc, this study focuses on her French legacy, where her continued cultural and aesthetic importance are most vibrant, and it brings this phenomenon into dialogue with modern discussions about gender and class, anachronism and memory, and metafiction, creative time, and the gaze.

List of contents

List of Figures
Preface
Acknowledgements
Note on Citation Practices and Frequently Cited Editions
Introduction: Joan of Arc's World

1. Breaking News: Early Versions of Joan's Story
2. Joan on Record
3. From Monstrosity to Martyr: Joan's Body on Display
4. Remembering Joan: From Supporting Role to Cultural Icon
5. The Medieval Heroine and Modern Time

Coda: Joan's Futures
Timeline of Key Moments of Joan's Legacy
Appendix: Francisci Barbari ¿Andreae¿ Gallica pulcherrima - Edited and Translated by Gregory Hays
Bibliography
Index

About the author

DEBORAH McGRADY is Professor of French at the University of Virginia and Director of the Medieval Studies Program.

Product details

• Authors: Deborah McGrady, Deborah (Contributor) McGrady, McGrady Deborah
• Publisher: Wiley
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 20.05.2025
• EAN: 9781783277759
• ISBN: 978-1-78327-775-9
• No. of pages: 306
• Dimensions: 156 mm x 234 mm x 20 mm
• Weight: 666 g
• Illustrations: 19 b/w illus.
• Series: Gallica
• Subjects: Fiction > Poetry, drama; Humanities, art, music > Art > Theatre, ballet; Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; French, France, LITERARY CRITICISM / Medieval, LITERARY CRITICISM / European / French, LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / 16th Century, Literary studies: classical, early & medieval, c 1000 CE to c 1500, Early 15th century c 1400 to c 1450, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, Film Theory & Criticism, Film history, theory or criticism, For higher / tertiary / university education, PERFORMING ARTS / Film / Genres / Historical