BEYOND THE MYTH: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC. by Brooks, Polly Schoyer. Signed - 1990

New York: J.B. Lippincott, 1990. 176 pp, 9 1/4" H. B&w illustrations. Signed by author on half title page. "Inspired by her love for France, by her determination to see the rightful king rule, and especially by her private visions and voices, Joan (of Arc) overcame the doubts of everyone from her parents to the king himself. Within a year Joan led the French to a resounding victory at Orleans and made possible the coronation of Charles VII in the cathedral of Reims. But after her glorious triumph, conflicts in the French camp, bad advice, and perhaps Joan's own headstrong nature brought her to defeat and finally to imprisonment and trial for heresy and witchcraft. Burned as a witch by the English after what was largely a political trial, she was later cleared of heresy, and eventually canonized. She is now the most popular French heroine and saint. (The author) has sifted through the records of Joan's trial, examined the studies of major historians, and roamed the streets of Domremy to find out who Joan really was. Neither a cardboard saint nor - as few still think - a witch, Joan emerges as a lively, emotional, determined person who believed so strongly in her cause that she overcame every obstacle she faced. Here is a new Joan for a new generation ready to question old legends and to marvel again at her courage and faith." Part of a series of history books aimed at the teenage reader. Light wrinkling at top of spine, previous owner's signed bookplate on front pastedown. Dust jacket has very light wrinkling at top/bottom of hinges and flap-folds, a few small light line indentations on front panel and on rear flap, slight fading to spine color.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good-.