The Maid and the Queen does as its title promises: provides the framework for not only the appearance of Joan of Arc, but explains her very image in the context of her relationship with Yolande of Aragon, a woman who "so cleverly hid her tracks" that history continuously fails to hold her story to the light alongside Joan's.

I came to this book a hugely emotive fan of Joan of Arc (and this greater historical time period in general.) The prose in this book is very well done; something that has pushed me away from other historical accounts before. Goldstone sneaks in so much snark that I cannot imagine this book without dustings of her wickedly amusing sarcasm. (She also provides us with some - unintentionally? - equally amusing medieval art pieces. There's a particular gem of Mad King Charles turning on his men that is now possibly my new favorite piece of medieval art.)

One thing I noticed and loved and appreciated throughout this book is that Goldstone in no way tries to explain away Joan's voices. She treats them as they are, as Joan said they happened, diagnosis unnecessary. Joan's testimony, in fact, is paramount throughout.

Altogether a well-tied, well-written piece that I'm glad I picked up off the shelf. There was so much to learn in this book.

Five stars. ( )

4.5 stars ( )

This was not so much a biography or history of Joan of Arc, as a chronicle of the role Yolande of Aragon played during this part of the Hundred Years War between England and France, and her determination to have her son-in-law, Charles, crowned King of France. The research was excellent but alas, I didn't learn anything new, anything I already didn't know. Joan's mockery of a trial and her execution didn't change the war or its outcome; they had no effect save that the English and Burgundians got rid of a political threat - a teenaged girl with astounding piety and charisma who rallied an army and a country to fight and be delivered from the English. I didn't think the book gave us any secret history, just brought to the fore the extraordinary effort and power of Yolande, a woman usually glossed over in the history books. Had this been more about Yolande, I would have like it even more. Still, a recommended book for readers who like late medieval history. ( )

It's completely obvious Goldstone is a genius when it comes to telling tales of predominant historic figures, and this book is no exception. She captures the essence of Joan of Arc and Yolande of Aragon to a tee. The author's work is flawless, and this well-written biography almost teaches us readers reminiscent to a textbook explaining who and why they are significant hundreds of years later. It's tough enough to highlight one heroine, but the addition of a second in this book is just an extra sweet bonus of knowledge and talent that adds to history buffs' must-read list. It's paced perfectly so we don't get confused with the overload of information, and the several illustrations throughout aid our creative thought and eases us through the enigmatic world which we have never explored previously. Many may not know the importance or the impact Joan of Arc has bestowed upon the world, but whether it was a curse or a blessing in disguise, her story is told beautifully and many will agree, unforgettable. ( )

The Maid and the Queen is a very well told popular history of Joan of Arc and the queen behind her, Yolande of Aragon. Nancy Goldstone brings these two women beautifully to life and places them within the context of the Hundred Years War. Goldstone delves into the early lives of both women and demonstrates how they grew into the characters that appeared at the French court of Charles VII.

It is a shame that Yolande of Aragon has apparently been glossed over by historians. Her intrigues behind the scenes at court and away from court are fascinating. I was a bit more dubious of the role played by The Romance of Melusine and felt that Goldstone may have argued her position more strongly on that point.

Nonetheless, a great read. I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for an introduction to Joan of Arc's story and to the history of the final years of the Hundred Years War. ( )