A fully illustrated study of the French armies inspired by Saint Joan of Arc, reformed under King Charles VII, and ultimately victorious over England in the Hundred Years' War. Saint Joan remains a central figure in France's national tradition, having led the country's military forces through a period of significant reforms and renaissance that culminated—about 22 years after her death—with France emerging as the winner of the Hundred Years' War.

France's victory in 1429 at Orléans, under Saint Joan's leadership, marked the first major turnaround in a long series of English successes and directly led to the coronation of King Charles VII, who transformed France's fortunes through peaceful negotiations with Burgundy, gathering foreign allies and establishing permanent military forces under royal control.

In this engaging new study, French military historian Philippe Gaillard examines the events and figures that caused such a pivotal turning point in medieval France's history. Combining detailed research with period illustrations, photographs of ancient artifacts, and newly commissioned artwork plates, the author brings to life the story of Saint Joan, the revitalized army, and the structural and tactical changes that led Charles VII and France to victory at Formigny and Castillon in the 1450s.