opening of this work sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Jeanne d'Arc's life, referencing various historical documents and accounts that inform the narrative. France outlines the intentions behind the various trials faced by Jeanne, particularly the complex motives of those who sought to undermine her legacy both during her life and posthumously. As he introduces the figures involved in her trial and the historical context of the Hundred Years' War, he emphasizes the discrepancies and biases present in the chronicles of her time, suggesting that much of what is known about her has been filtered through a lens of myth and legend. Thus, France's account promises to reveal not just the story of Jeanne but also the tumultuous history surrounding her, inviting readers to question the narratives that have surrounded this iconic figure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)