Joan of Arc: The Mystic Legacy provides an intimate portrait of the enigmatic young woman whose heroic life story has provoked ongoing controversy for nearly six centuries. Fresh insights, gleaned from the author's full decade of research and three field trips to France, shed new light on the essential nature of the girl whose faith-based acts of courage altered the outcome of the Hundred Years War. Thirty-nine exclusive full color photographs of historic sites breathe life into the text, and allow time to collapse. January 6, 1412, the six hundredth anniversary of Joan's birth, will be celebrated around the world throughout 2012.Examining the external and internal forces that shaped Joan's well documented life, a discussion of esoteric elements found on nearly each page of the historic records is carefully framed in evidence that has not been plumbed to these depths, until now. Joan's own words speak with clarity from her trial testimony as the most trustworthy resource for understanding her perceptions, motivations and behavior. The visions and voices she identified as the three spiritual guides who were with her constantly, from the age of thirteen until her death, are traced into the roots of Judeo Christian antiquity; Her interaction with them is examined through the inclusive lens of contemporary cross-cultural mysticism.In his essay on the universality of her story, The Joan in All of Us, John Steinbeck said that everyone who studies the trial testimonies comes to find a "corroboration of his convictions, no matter what they may be." He identified the source of our fascination with her as "....the miracle, the worrisome nagging fact. Joan is a fairy tale so improbable that, without the most complete historical record and evidence, it could not be believed. If a writer were to make up the story it would be howled down as an insult to credulity."In Joan of Arc: The Mystic Legacy, each stage of Joan's transformation is traced, from her childhood in the rural marshlands of Lorraine to the halls of power where she claimed her right to command the French army and lead her troops to victory in Orleans and beyond. This unique exploration of Joan of Arc's mortality and transcendence documents the rise and fall of the military leader whose prophecies were ultimately fulfilled.

The year is 1429 and the English have been attempting to annex France since long before Joan can remember, and since 1419 trying to illegitimize its crown prince (the Dauphin). Joan, 17 years old and a pious young woman, runs away from home in order to attempt an impossible mission from God—have herself appointed as a French field general and lead her country to victory over the English. She knows she’s small in stature, of low birth, illiterate, and has no knowledge of war or politics. Nonetheless, like her hero, the Blessed Virgin Mary, she says “yes” to God and, determined to succeed, sets off to prevent a major English victory at Orléans. Like Michael and Jeff Shaara’s historical fiction models, this book chronicles Joan’s every perilous step from the harsh road away from her parent’s farm to the Dauphin’s heavy-handed investigation to determine if she’s a witch or virgin. It also portrays the indignity she suffers at the royal court as well as the anger and hysteria among veteran French generals with the announcement of her elevation to knighthood. Then, at its heart, Maiden General takes readers through the week long Battle of Orléans—Joan’s failures, her wounds, her indomitable courage, and finally her impossible and miraculous victory.

This acclaimed work on the life and mysticism of Joan of Arc is considered by historians as one of the most convincing, well researched and best written accounts of the Maid of Orleans. Stolpe vividly creates the contemporary situation in France during Joan's time, evaluates the latest research on her life, and arrives at an original and authentic portrait - one that is also a work of literature. Stolpe sees Joan of Arc as primarily a mystic, and her supreme achievement and lasting significance not so much in a mission to deliver France - though important - but in her sharing in the Passion of Christ. By shifting the emphasis from the national to the universal, Stolpe brings the saint closer to the modern reader. His scholarship is informed by a profound understanding and sympathy for the Maid, giving his essentially sober work the absorbing interest of a novel. As one critic stated, "Stolpe succeeds in producing a very tense interest, so that it is impossible to lay it aside until the last word is reached." This work should do much to present a new evaluation and appreciation of the life and mysticism of St. Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans.

Embark on a Mystical Journey with the Spiritual Alchemy of Saint Joan Imagine immersing yourself in the life and legacy of one of history's most enigmatic figures. Arc's Arcana: The Spiritual Alchemy of Saint Joan offers an unprecedented exploration into the heart and soul of Joan of Arc. Through the pages of this mesmerizing book, readers are invited to traverse the mystical path blazed by the Warrior Maiden herself. From the humble beginnings in the child of Lorraine to the echoes of her voice that have rippled through time, this narrative unwraps the spiritual layers of Joan's journey. Discover the visions and voices that propelled a simple peasant girl into the armors of faith and battle, leading her to accomplish what seemed impossible. Experience the siege of Orléans through the eyes of a Divine Strategist, and feel the sacred anointment at Reims as if the holy oils touched your own skin. Yet, every light casts a shadow. Joan's story is not without its darkness--betrayal, capture, and the pyre of the martyr. This account does not shy away from the trials that tested her spirit, instead, it delves deeply into the flames of transformation and ascension through ashes. Witness the spiritual alchemy that transmuted suffering into strength, and femininity into warfare, transforming Joan into a legend. But what does Joan's path mean for us today? Arc's Arcana not only revisits the physical and metaphysical battles of the past but also aligns them with modern quests for spirituality and leadership. It unveils the mystical symbols--the sword and the banner--that continue to influence centuries beyond Joan's martyrdom. In these chapters, Joan becomes a luminary for spiritual warriors seeking to embody courage, leadership, and sacred femininity. Indulge in a narrative that gracefully weaves historical events, mystical experiences, and spiritual reflections into a tapestry as vibrant and compelling as the life of Saint Joan herself. Whether you're drawn to the mystic and the maiden, eager to explore the metaphysics of martyrdom, or looking to harness your own divine energy, Arc's Arcana will light your way. Arc's Arcana: The Spiritual Alchemy of Saint Joan is more than a book; it's an invitation to journey alongside Joan, to confront our battles with her indomitable spirit, and to discover the alchemical power of faith, courage, and resilience. Step into the eternal flame of Joan's legacy and let your own spiritual alchemy begin.

“Attention, ‘Game of Thrones’ fans: The most enjoyably sensational aspects of medieval politics—double-crosses, ambushes, bizarre personal obsessions, lunacy and naked self-interest—are in abundant evidence in Nancy Goldstone's The Maid and the Queen.” (Laura Miller, Salon.com) Politically astute, ambitious, and beautiful, Yolande of Aragon, queen of Sicily, was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages. Caught in the complex dynastic battle of the Hundred Years War, Yolande championed the dauphin's cause against the forces of England and Burgundy, drawing on her savvy, her statecraft, and her intimate network of spies. But the enemy seemed invincible. Just as French hopes dimmed, an astonishingly courageous young woman named Joan of Arc arrived from the farthest recesses of the kingdom, claiming she carried a divine message-a message that would change the course of history and ultimately lead to the coronation of Charles VII and the triumph of France. Now, on the six hundredth anniversary of the birth of Joan of Arc, this fascinating book explores the relationship between these two remarkable women, and deepens our understanding of this dramatic period in history. How did an illiterate peasant girl gain access to the future king of France, earn his trust, and ultimately lead his forces into battle? Was it only the hand of God that moved Joan of Arc-or was it also Yolande of Aragon?

This book analyses the relationship between Conrad's work and three major subjects: the philosophy of history, nationalism (in Europe and Latin America), and Conrad's interest in French Romanticism and Napoleon Bonaparte. As well as discussing more well-known works, Niland re-evaluates the long-neglected late novels The Rover and Suspense.

Embark on a magical voyage to the enchanted sites of the ancient world, all associated with legends of mystery and power. From Stonehenge in England to the oracle of Apollo in Greece, Magical and Mystical Sites explores the most remarkable and significant places of antiquity -- temples, places of learning, monuments, ruins, and sacred groves -- and the legends that accompany them. Filled with details of historical data and local information, this book is a wonderful companion for both the armchair traveler and the actual visitor. Magical and Mystical Sites explores the sacred and legendary places of the British Isles, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and more -- places like Delphi, Chartres, and Glastonbury. The discussions are highly readable yet consistently thorough, focusing not only on the lore and legends, but also covering archaeological discoveries, the nature of the old divinities, the relation of the sites to ancient culture and religion, and what these places are like today. Rounded out with excellent photographs and maps, Magical and Mystical Sites is a complete historical and practical guide to the sacred sites of Europe and the British Isles. Illustrated.