The siege of Orléans and the Loire campaign : Joan of Arc and the passage to victory, 1428-29

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The siege of Orléans and the loire campaign, 1428-29

Joan of arc and the passage to victory

Year 1428. The war between England and France has been raging for nearly one hundred years.

Following the signature of the Treaty of Troyes in 1420, the French throne officially belongs to the Lancaster dynasty. The young Henry VI, a six year old prince empowers himself « by the Grace of God, King of France and England. » In reality, his power lies with the Regent John Bedford, a competent and pragmatic man in his forties. The English and their allies, the Burgundians, control territory to the north of the Loire, but have no control of regions beyond the vast river. In Bourges, Charles VII reigns as heir to the Valois dynasty, also claiming his right to the French throne. He is surrounded by his supporters, the renowned Armagnacs. The two sides embark on a bitter battle. France has two kings : this is one too many !

During the summer, Bedford decides to eliminate his enemy whom he considers to be a usurper. A powerful English army lands at Calais, heads to the Loire and besieges Orléans. Charles VII believes the loss of this town will cause the fall of his sovereignty. He therefore decides to defend it at all costs. From October 1428 to May 1429, fierce fighting continues around the town located on the Loire River. The situation seems to be lost for the besieged, until the arrival of a young peasant girl from the Lorraine, named Joan. The exploits of the Maid of Orléans lead to the making of her legend. 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 explicit, animated and richly illustrated book which enables the reader to relive these moments of great endeavour.