Joan of Arc is perhaps one of the best-known and most influential women in Western history. Arthur Conan Doyle claimed that “Next to Christ, the highest spiritual being of whom we have exact records on this earth is the girl Jeanne” (Denis 5). His fearlessness and devotion to God were praised by iconic figures such as Winston Churchill. , Pope Benedict XVI and Mark Twain. His achievements are immortalized in history books, art and pop culture. Unlike any other, Joan is a feminist leader and an inspiration to all Christians. Jehanne Romee, later known as Joan of Arc, is born. in January 1412 in France. According to Yeatts, an important historical author, Joan was born to a wealthy farmer, Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romee (5). Joan received no formal education and could barely read or write. Joan lived in a turbulent time in French history. The French and English states had been at war since 1337 over disputed territories in France and the English claimed who could inherit that their king could inherit the throne of France through shared royal bloodlines and also inherit vast territories in what is now southwestern France . By the time of Joan's birth, the English had conquered nearly all of France and were poised to capture the French crown. The French heir to the throne, the Dauphin, was forced into hiding and Paris came under English control. It was in these terrible circumstances that Giovanna emerged. When she was about 12 years old, Joan believed she heard the voices of angels and the voice of God, telling her to save France and put the Dauphin on the throne of France. Authors Regine Pernoud , a......middle of paper......arbara. “The Inspirational Example of Joan of Arc.” The Preist 68.5 (2012): 10-13. Denis, Leon. The mystery of Joan of Arc. Trans. AC Doyle. New York: E.P. Dutton & Company, 1925. Print.Pernoud, Regine and Clin, Marie-Veronique. Joan of Arc: her story. Trans. Jeremy du Quesany Adams. New York: St. Martins Press. 1998. Print.Pope Pius X. "Pope Pius The Sacred Heart Review 19 December 1908: 26. Boston College. Network. 5 July. 2014. Sullivan, Winnifred Fallers. "Joan's Two Bodies: A Study in Political Anthropology." Social Research 78.2 (2011): 307,324,688. ProQuest. Network. July 5, 2014.Taylor, Larissa Juliet. "Joan of Arc, the Church and the Papacy, 1429-1920". Catholic Historical Review 98.2 (2012): 217-240. Academic research completed. Network. July 9, 2014.Yeatts, Tabitha. Joan of Arc: celestial warrior. New York: Sterling, 2009. Print.