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
“If you fancy giving yourself food for thought, then The Aphorisms are ideal.”—Alexander Adams, Brazen Head
“Stach’s analysis, aided by Frisch’s lucid translation, is substantial and useful, and it consistently provides food for further thought for the reader who ruminates on Kafka’s brief and oracular pronouncements. In short, The Aphorisms of Franz Kafka is an indispensable aid for navigating Kafka’s often disorienting but rewarding verbal sallies… . An achievement of the first order by two scholars whose knowledge of their subject can only be called intimidating, and it should be received with gratitude. Its place as an essential volume for the study of Kafka in the Anglophone world is already secure.”—E.J. Hutchinson, New Criterion
“For anyone who loves Kafka’s fiction, this wonderful edition of aphorisms offers a unique insight into his mind at a crucial point in his life. Though often enigmatic and obscure, the commentaries open them up brilliantly, suggesting possible interpretations.”—PD Smith, The Guardian

Reiner Stach is the author of the definitive three-volume biography of Franz Kafka: Kafka: The Early Years; Kafka: The Decisive Years; and Kafka: The Years of Insight. He is also the author of Is That Kafka? 99 Finds.

Shelley Frisch is an award-winning translator whose work includes Stach’s Kafka biography, Karin Wieland’s Dietrich & Riefenstahl, and Billy Wilder on Assignment, among many other books.

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