A lengthy historical novel written because Joan of Arc was Clemens' favorite historical character. He stated: “It means more to me than anything I have ever undertaken.” Clemens devoted twelve years to researching and writing this novel. Harper's Magazine serialized it first in three monthly installments (April 1895-April 1896) without his name. He used the pseudonym Sieur Louis de Conte to prevent the work's not being taken seriously under his own name, while the name of the translator, Jean Francois Alden, is referred to as a pun on John Alden. This edition contains many of the fine drawings that had appeared in the periodical. (From “A Centennial For Tom Sawyer”)
