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Why Was Mark Twain Obsessed With Joan of Arc?
The famous American writer found his greatest inspiration in the French martyr
Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, is regarded as one of the finest writers in American history. His short stories and novels like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer remain standard reading for school children around the world more than 100 years after his death. He was someone who was influenced heavily by a number of things, including his environment. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of his life was his obsession with Joan of Arc, the 15th-century French martyr and saint.
Twain’s fascination with Joan of Arc was throughout much of his adult life, culminating in his 1896 novel Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc. This book, which Twain personally considered his best and favorite work, was the result of extensive research and dedication; a bit unlike some of his much more famous writing. He spent a full 12 years studying Joan’s life, and two years writing the novel, representing the kind of passion behind his desire for historical accuracy and thoroughness for the project.
Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc stands out among Twain’s work because of its tone and style. It lacked his trademark wit and humor, opting instead to take a…
