Joan of Arc by Mark Twain

Joan of Arc by Mark Twain

I read Joan of Ark in my formative years as a brother and I consider it until now as the best book (outside of the Bible:) that I have ever read. Most people don't know that the "father of American literature" ever wrote a book about a Catholic saint. Not only did he, but he considered it the best book he ever wrote. 

The story starts with the author trying to wrap his head around the spiritual experience that Joan of Arc must have had that lead her to believe that God was calling her to take command of the whole French army that was being devastated by the French late in the Hundred Years' War. The story picks up steam with the historical narrative of the 16-year-old Joan convincing the King that his only chance of victory over the English forces was to allow her to have control the French Army. The story is true, and Mark Twain knew it well after having studied it for twelve years in France. 

Recommended by Michael Gokie