Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

“Mark Twain spent 12 years researching Joan of Ark and despite his famous cynicism and skepticism toward religion, he fell completely in love with Joan's character. His recommendation of her life centers on the sheer improbability of her existence. She possessed no political lineage, military training, or formal education, yet she commanded armies and held her own against court inquisitors. Twain views her as the ultimate testament to what uncorrupted integrity and conviction can achieve against corrupt systems”