When FeuchtwangerÕs two best known novels ÒJew SŸssÓ (ÒPowerÓ) and ÒUgly DuchessÓ were first translated into English in the 1920s, they caused a tremendous sensation in England and then in America. The critics all hailed Feuchtwanger as the master of the historical novelÑthe peer of Dumas and Scott but written with the psychology of our own day. ÒJew SŸss,Ó set in the 18th century Germany (at the time consisting of numerous fragmented independent states), deals with an identity crisis: in order to gain social power, the novel’s protagonist attempts to forsake his Jewish heritage and becomes assimilated into the mainstream of German culture. More than that, SŸss finds himself being in the position of potential kingmaker. Brilliant, attractive and with an insatiable lust for power, he practically ruled the Duke and his court, pandering to the vices of dissolute nobility, mounting through his intrigues to dizzying heights of power. SŸssÕs only vulnerable spot, however, is his precious, exquisite, gentle daughter, Naomi. When her beauty became exposed to the beastliness of the Duke, tragedy came swiftly after.