The Cambridge Introduction to Franz Kafka [Paperback]

An accessible, comprehensive introduction to the work, life and times of one of the twentieth century's most important writers.A clear and engaging introduction aimed at students, lay readers and academics, which presents Kafka's works in a new light. Combines close readings with an account of his wider cultural and historical context, as well as drawing on textual material which is unavailable to English-speaking readers.A clear and engaging introduction aimed at students, lay readers and academics, which presents Kafka's works in a new light. Combines close readings with an account of his wider cultural and historical context, as well as drawing on textual material which is unavailable to English-speaking readers.Franz Kafka (18831924) is one of the most influential of modern authors, whose darkly fascinating novels and stories  where themes such as power, punishment and alienation loom large  have become emblematic of modern life. This Introduction offers a clear and accessible account of Kafka's life, work and literary influence and overturns many myths surrounding them. His texts are in fact far more engaging, diverse, light-hearted and ironic than is commonly suggested by clich?s of 'the Kafkaesque'. And, once explored in detail, they are less difficult and impenetrable than is often assumed. Through close analysis of their style, imagery and narrative perspective, Carolin Duttlinger aims to give readers the confidence to (re-)discover Kafka's works without constant recourse to the mantras of critical orthodoxy. In addition, she situates Kafka's texts within their wider cultural, historical and political contexts illustrating how they respond to the concerns of their age, and of our own.Preface; 1. Life; 2. Contexts; 3. Works; 4. Scholarship and adaptations; Guide to further reading; Index.'Sprightly and astute & an excellent guide that has much to offer readers new to Kafka's web as well as those already snared.' Times Literary Supplement'It is genuinely lÓ,