Dictionary.net

An eminent Austrian novelist and poet; born (Countess Dubsky) at Castle Zdislavic, Moravia, Sept. 13, 1830. Beginning in 1860 as a playwright, "Mary Stuart in Scotland" (1860) and the tragedy "Marie Roland", with the one-act dramas "Doctor Ritter", "Violets", and "The Disconsolate One", were but moderately successful. Turning to fiction, "The Princess of Banalia" (1872), a satiric tale, made little impression; but "Two Countesses" (1885), a story of Austrian high society, met with striking favor, and its successors place her among the great writers. They include: "Tales of Village and Castle"; "The Child of the Parish"; "The Rival". She has epic power, keen psychological insight, and quick sensibility; and is unsurpassed in grace of form and precision of style.