Published Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

Mark Twain's 'Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc' stands out as a unique contribution to literature, reflecting his deep admiration for the historical figure of Joan of Arc. Twain dedicated this work to his wife and expressed that it was his most cherished creation, stating that it provided him with immense personal satisfaction. The narrative is presented in the form of a fictional memoir, where Twain adopts the voice of a fictional character, Sieur Louis de Conte, who claims to be Joan's page and chronicler. This approach allows Twain to explore themes of heroism, faith, and the complexities of war through the lens of Joan's life and trials. Despite the challenges he faced in publishing this work, including criticism from some quarters, Twain remained steadfast in his belief that this was his finest work. He noted that it brought him seven times the pleasure compared to his other writings, underscoring its significance in his literary career.