An exceptionally dramatic life of Joan of Arc and her previously unchronicled mentor, Yolande of Aragon. Joan's fleeting moment at the centre of Anglo-French politics retains its historical and cultural currency precisely because her story is never less than compelling; and Yolande of Aragon is a significant and fascinating example of those medieval women who brought extraordinary intellectual capacity and hard-won political expertise to bear on a structure of power that assumed its leaders would be male.

Part I. Before Joan: The kingdom of the gay science ; To be queen ; The mad king of France ; Civil war ; A new Dauphin -- Part II. Joan of Arc: Childhood in Domremy ; The angels speak to Joan ; Joan meets the Dauphin ; The maid of Orleans ; Capture at Compiegne ; The trial of Joan of Arc -- Part III. After Joan: Of politics and prisoners ; The queen takes control ; The road to Rouen ; The rehabilitation of Joan of Arc.