2118 The Ugly Duchess, by Leon Feuchtwanger translated by Willa and Edwin Muir (read 10 Jan 1988) This is a novel based on the life of Margaret Maultasch, last ruler of Tirol (she in 1365 turned Tirol over to Rudolf Hapsburg). It is not a particularly well-written book--the story of Margaret is an interesting story, but not an edifying one and one wonders if one should care much about it. Maultasch was married twice, and from reading the Britannica article on her I think Feuchtwanger at least takes no serious historical liberties with his subject. But there is no hero or heroine in this book, and there is some German extravagance in the telling. I do not think I need read more of Feuchtwanger. ( )