The year is 1428, and the war between England and France has been raging for nearly one hundred years. The English control territory to the north of the Loire, but have no control of regions beyond the river. During the summer, the Duke of Bedford decides to eliminate his enemy and besieges Orléans. From October 1428 to May 1429, fierce fighting continues around the town. The situation seems to be lost for the besieged, until the arrival of a young peasant girl named Joan. The exploits of the Maid of Orléans, considered France's national heroine, lead to the making of her legend. She gained prominence when she overcame the dismissive attitude of veteran commanders and lifted the siege in only nine days, although she was later bunt at the stake for heresy at only nineteen years old. Inspired by her, the French rekindle their taste for victory and go from one success to another, until the decisive battle at Patay. This is an detailed, animated and richly illustrated book which enables the reader to relive these moments of great endeavour. SELLING POINTS: Lavishly illustrated account of the great war between England and France and the fierce battle at Orléans ILLUSTRATIONS: 160 illustrations
