The Ugly Duchess - by Lion Feuchtwanger (Paperback)

About the Book

At a time when a woman's worth was measured by her beauty, the Duchess of Tyrol, is mocked for her appearance. Yet, her intellect and indomitable will make her a force to be reckoned with in a world of cunning princes and treacherous alliances

Book Synopsis

In a vivid tapestry of 14th-century Europe, The Ugly Duchess chronicles the tumultuous life of Margarete, Duchess of Tyrol. Born into a world obsessed with physical beauty, Margarete - nicknamed "Maultasch" or "Pocket-Mouth" - is fiercely intelligent and ambitious, constantly battling the scorn and prejudice her appearance provokes. From her arranged marriage to a spoiled boy-prince to a scandalous divorce that rocks Christendom, Margarete navigates a treacherous landscape of political intrigue, warring empires, and personal betrayals. As she strives to secure her family's lands and legacy against the machinations of powerful adversaries, she grapples with love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of power, proving that true strength lies not in outward charm but in an unyielding spirit.