Let's be honest, a history book covering 1415 to 1440 sounds like it could be dry. But Jules Michelet, writing in the 1800s, had a different idea. He wanted to bring the past to life, and in this volume, he throws you right into the chaos.

The Story

France is in deep trouble. After a massive defeat at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the English king, Henry V, is conquering the north. The French king, Charles VI, is mentally unwell, and the country is ripped apart by a civil war between two powerful families, the Burgundians and the Armagnacs. It's a perfect storm for disaster. Just when it seems England will win everything, a completely unexpected figure appears: a 17-year-old peasant girl from Domrémy named Joan. Convinced by divine voices, she manages to get an army, lifts the English siege of Orléans, and gets the hesitant French prince crowned as King Charles VII at Reims. Her capture, trial, and execution by the English are a brutal turning point. The book follows how Charles VII, once Joan's mission was complete, slowly and shrewdly rebuilds his kingdom, reforms his army, and starts pushing the English back, setting the stage for France's recovery.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because Michelet makes you care. This isn't a neutral list of events. He's passionately French, and he writes about the nation as if it's a living, breathing character fighting for its life. His Joan of Arc isn't just a saint; she's a force of pure will and faith that shocks a broken system into action. His description of the weak and suspicious Charles VII is almost frustrating—you want to shake him! The conflict isn't just England vs. France; it's about a national identity being forged in fire and betrayal. Michelet's old-fashioned, dramatic style might feel intense at first, but it gives the story an incredible energy. You get the sense of history being made by flawed, desperate, and occasionally brilliant people.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who finds textbook history boring but loves a great story of survival and transformation. It's for readers who enjoy complex characters like the tragic Joan or the calculating Charles VII. If you've seen shows or movies about this period and want to go deeper into the real (and messier) story, Michelet is your guide. Be prepared for a writer with strong opinions—he's not a detached observer, he's a narrator rooting for his team. It's history told with heart, fire, and a definite point of view.