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The Rest Is HistoryJanuary 5, 2026

632. Joan of Arc: Warrior Maid (Part 1)

About This Episode
What are the origins of the legendary Joan of Arc, the famous French maid who saved France from the English during the Hundred Years’ War, dressed all the while in men’s clothes? Why is hers one of the most remarkable stories of all time? And, was she really under divine influence when, as only a teenager, she demanded to be taken from her humble French village to Charles of Valois, the would-be King of France, in order to save the French from the English - then on the verge of victory? Join Tom and Dominic as they launch into the life of one of the most extraordinary people in all medieval history: Joan of Arc, and trace her journey from humble peasant girl, to advisor to the King of France, to military heroine and saviour of the French, to despised heretic condemned to the pyre… _______ Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restishistory It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ _______ Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editor: Jack Meek Social Producer: Harry Baldwin Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude Producer: Tabby Syrett Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Book Mentions
5 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

Christine de Pizan cover

Christine de Pizan is often described as the first professional female writer in Western history, and she is the author of the very first poem ever written about Joan of Arc.

ASIN: 0140446893
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The Waning of the Middle Ages cover

Johan Huizinga, a great Dutch historian, published in 1919, pointedly omitted Joan in his study of 15th century Burgundy and Northern France, despite her being the most famous character from that period.

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The Book of the City of Ladies cover

Christine de Pizan, a prolific poet, is so upset by the political situation that she falls silent and retires to an abbey, never writing again.

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Joan of Arc, the Image of Female Heroism cover

The speaker mentions reading a brilliant book by Marina Warner about Joan of Arc, highlighting her unique status as a female teenage peasant girl.

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Marina Warner cover

Marina Warner is mentioned as being brilliant on the topic of Joan's inclination for clear-cut situations with identifiable centres of authority.

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