Presented as a translation by Jean Francois Alden of Joan of Arc's page and secretary the Sieur Louis de Conte's memoirs, Twain's Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc first appeared as a serial in Harper's Magazine beginning in April of 1895. It is a panorama of stirring scenes that recount Joan's childhood in Domremy, the story of her voices, the fight for Orleans, the splendid march to Rheims, and more.

Twain, aware of his reputation as a humourist, asked that each instalment appear anonymously as he desired that readers treat the piece seriously. Regardless, his authorship soon became known and it now stands as an essential and intriguing part of the Twain catalogue.