The Halo on the Sword: St. Joan of Arc
Mary Purcell; Preface by Claude Farrère
📚 Genre
Historical Fiction / Hagiography
🏢 Publisher
The Newman Press (Westminster, Maryland)
📅 Publication Year
1952
🔢 ISBN
None (Pre-dates ISBN system; LCCN: 52-11513)
About This Book
A biographical novel chronicling the life of St. Joan of Arc, from her childhood in Domrémy to her military campaigns and eventual martyrdom. The book emphasizes the spiritual 'halo' alongside her military 'sword,' blending historical facts with a narrative style typical of mid-20th-century Catholic literature.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
308 pages
Edition
First American Edition
Series
Stand-alone volume
Target Audience
Adult / General Audience (specifically Catholic interest)
Collector Information
Condition
Good. The title page shows some foxing or light staining at the top right edge. The paper exhibits slight yellowing consistent with age, but the binding appears intact and the text is clear.
Estimated Value
$10-$30
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a high-value rarity, 1950s printings from The Newman Press are becoming harder to find in good condition, as they were often used in parochial libraries.
Historical Significance
Mary Purcell was a well-regarded Irish biographer of saints. This work contributed to the mid-century revival of interest in hagiography and Catholic historical fiction in the United States and Ireland.
Collector Notes
Collectibility is primarily driven by interest in St. Joan of Arc or Catholic literature. To preserve value, the book should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent the existing foxing from spreading. Check for a dust jacket; a copy with a clean, original dust jacket would be on the higher end of the value scale ($30+).
Similar Books
Saint Joan of Arc by Vita Sackville-West; Joan of Arc by Mark Twain; The Maid of Orleans by Sven Stolpe; Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw
Notable Features
Features a preface by Claude Farrère of the French Academy. Includes the distinct Newman Press 'NP' monogram on the title page.