The Aphorisms of Franz Kafka

Kafka's mistrust of self-scrutiny, and his equal need for it, are nowhere more dazzlingly displayed than in this jewel of twentieth-century literature. ---Ben Hutchinson, Times Literary Supplement [Stach's] commanding knowledge of Kafka's life and work richly informs his interpretations of these hitherto generally neglected masterpieces of concentrated thought and quasi-mystical insight. Stach provides invaluable guidance along this shadowy path. The aphorisms are as enigmatic as they are beautiful. . . . Indeed, it could be argued that, for all their brevity and compression, in the aphorisms we find the essential Kafka. ---John Banville, Irish Times Taut translations. . . . Indispensable commentary. ---Max Norman, Wall Street Journal In this newly annotated edition, Reiner Stach-who knows more about Kafka's life than anyone else alive-provides data-rich, facing-page commentary for each gnomic observation. He is assisted, as usual, by his nonpareil translator, Shelley Frisch. . . . His commentary eschews definitive interpretations but leaves the reader better able to ponder [Kafka's] tantalizing pronouncements. ---Michael Dirda, Washington Post An astute and subtle commentary. . . . The intellectual risks of commenting on the comments of Kafka are enormous, but Stach takes them in his stride, and Shelley Frisch's English version keeps pace admirably. ---Michael Wood, London Review of Books If you have a serious interest in Kafka's life and writings, The Aphorisms of Franz Kafka is a necessary port of call. It gives you all the information necessary to approach and understand what is certainly Kafka's most personal testimony. ---Paul Kane, Jildy Sauce Stach's introduction and commentaries and a fresh new translation . . . make you feel at home. In addition to excerpts from Kafka's crossed-out or amended first drafts, there are quotations from the diaries and letters that are often equal if not superior to the aphorisms themselves. ---Stuart Mitchner, Town Topics