This is a 1955 translation of the German language biography of Katharina Schratt (1853- 1940), an Austrian actress who became "the uncrowned Empress of Austria" as a confidante of the Emperor Franz Joseph. "Katharina Schratt's life shows her as a unique woman, an actress of not outstanding gifts, who—thanks to her strength of character, her artlessness and her frankness—became the trusted friend of one of the mightiest rulers of Europe; she did not expect any advancement for herself; she was not ambitious á la Pompadour. In Hietzing she was just known as die Gnädige Frau and was greatly esteemed and admired. "Her influence over the Emperor Franz Joseph was, without doubt, important and beneficial; and this applies particularly to political questions. It has already been said, with justification, that the historian who wishes to write about Austrian politics of the period between 1866 and 1916, will not be able to leave out of account the figure of Katharina Schratt."—Joachim von Kürenberg, Foreword Written by renowned German author, Joachim von Kürenberg, this biography is richly illustrated throughout and will make a valuable addition to any history collection.