Contemplation

Kafka’s first published book (1913), Contemplation is composed of eighteen “prose poems,” displaying the full range of Kafka’s compact metaphorical style. In this new translation, Blahut has been faithful to the original German while rendering it in a fresh, contemporary English. This edition is complemented by 18 pen-and-ink drawings.

Translation: Kevin Blahut

Publisher: Twisted Spoon Press

ISBN: 9788090217157

Publication year: 1996

Format: Hardback

«Dear Mr. Rowohlt: I am enclosing the little prose pieces you wanted to see; they will probably be enough to make up a small book. While I was putting it together toward this end, I sometimes had to choose between satisfying my sense of responsibility and an eagerness to have a book among your beautiful books. Certainly I did not in each instance make an entirely clear-cut decision. But now I should naturally be happy if the things pleased you sufficiently to print them.» — Franz Kafka

«I can well imagine this book finding its way into the hands of someone whose life is instantly changed by it.» — Max Brod, März

«This volume seems to have paved the way to Parnassus. It is profound, having been created by the most delicate of fingers.» — Kurt Tucholsky, Prager Tagblatt

«Rhythmic like the lament of a forlorn maiden, this exceptionally mature work exhibits the light touch of the French prose masters.» — Otto Pick, Bohemia