Memoirs of Marie Therese Miller-Degenfeld

About the Book

Born Countess Marie Therese von Degenfeld-Schonburg, growing up as the beloved only daughter of a mother and aunt in one of the most beautiful castles in Bavaria, Neubeuern, Maria throws aside the protocols and expectations of the German aristocracy to marry an American diplomat. Born in 1908 and dying in 2005, Maria's life spanned the 20th century, two world wars, and encompassed life on four continents. Her eclectic education included personal correspondence and instruction from poet, Hugo v Hofmanstahl, instilling an ability to write openly and frankly whatever was on her heart. Her experiences with the major events of her century, her philosophy and views on volunteer service, the church, and other issues make this book an unusual picture of a 20th century life.

About the Author

Born Countess Marie-Therese von Degenfeld-Schonburg on January 14th 1908. Maria married American diplomat, Ralph Miller of New York City, and served with him in many foreign posts from 1932 until 1953. In 1958 she founded the Virginia Chapter of Recording for the Blind in Charlottesville and served on its board until her death at 97. She was a founding member of the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. She edited two books of her mother's correspondence with Austrian poet, Hofmanstahl, Hugo von Hofmanstahl - Ottonie von Degenfeld Briefwechsel, (two editions 1974 and 1976), S. Fischer Verlag, and The Poet And The Countess, 2000, Camden House. Maria lived an active life as a widow for 46 years dividing her time seasonally between homes Virginia, Barbados, and Bavaria. She in died on February 16th 2005, days after completing her memoirs.