Franz Kafka: The Poet of Shame and Guilt (Jewish Lives) - Softcover

Friedländer, Saul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300219725 ISBN 13: 9780300219722

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2016

Synopsis

A highly original and engaging appraisal of Kafka's life, work, legacy, and thought Franz Kafka was the poet of his own disorder. Throughout his life he struggled with a pervasive sense of shame and guilt that left traces in his daily existence-in his many letters, in his extensive diaries, and especially in his fiction. This stimulating book investigates some of the sources of Kafka's personal anguish and its complex reflections in his imaginary world. In his query, Saul Friedlander probes major aspects of Kafka's life (family, Judaism, love and sex, writing, illness, and despair) that until now have been skewed by posthumous censorship. Contrary to Kafka's dying request that all his papers be burned, Max Brod, Kafka's closest friend and literary executor, edited and published the author's novels and other works soon after his death in 1924. Friedlander shows that, when reinserted in Kafka's letters and diaries, deleted segments lift the mask of "sainthood" frequently attached to the writer and thus restore previously hidden aspects of his individuality.

About this title

Review

"Like Kafka's work, "Franz Kafka" is dense and provocative. In his exploration of Kafka's work, Friedlander calls on his rich knowledge of Central Europe during Kafka's lifetime. . . A candid and stimulating examination of the forces that shaped Kafka's anguished life/work."--Maron L./i>--Maron L. Waxman "Jewish Book Council "

Friedlander s concise new book, born of both sorrow and affection, is an ideal place to begin among the hulking alps of Kafka studies. William Giraldi, " New Republic"--William Giraldi"New Republic" (04/09/2013)"

This is a book that springs directly from the author's background and from a manifest love for and great knowledge of Kafka's work and his milieu. The book's main objective is to mine the question of Kafka's guilt and shame, and Friedlander is more probing, historical and impartial in examining these questions than just about any other scholar I know. Mark Anderson, author of "Reading Kafka "and" Kafka s Clothes"--Mark Anderson"

"Like Kafka s work, "Franz Kafka" is dense and provocative. In his exploration of Kafka s work, Friedlander calls on his rich knowledge of Central Europe during Kafka s lifetime. . . A candid and stimulating examination of the forces that shaped Kafka s anguished life/work." Maron L./i>--Maron L. Waxman "Jewish Book Council ""

"Interweaving Kafka s letters, diaries and stories, [Friedlander] shows us a new and vital Kafka, who made literature out of all the things he brilliantly failed at in his mostly painful life. Friedlander, the great historian of the Holocaust, intricately reveals how longing and personal history can disturb and inspire genius. It s as if I d never read Kafka before, and finally know him." Philip Schultz, "Harriet" A Poetry Blog, the Poetry Foundation--Philip Schultz "Harriet: A Poetry Blog ""

Selected as a "Choice" Outstanding Academic Title for 2013 in theGermanic Category.--Outstanding Academic Title"Choice" (01/21/2014)"

"Friedlander's concise new book, born of both sorrow and affection, is an ideal place to begin among the hulking alps of Kafka studies."--William Giraldi, New Republic--William Giraldi"New Republic" (04/09/2013)

"This is a book that springs directly from the author's background and from a manifest love for--and great knowledge of--Kafka's work and his milieu. The book's main objective is to mine the question of Kafka's guilt and shame, and Friedlander is more probing, historical and impartial in examining these questions than just about any other scholar I know."--Mark Anderson, author of Reading Kafka and Kafka's Clothes--Mark Anderson

"This book is a clear, uncensorious and serious contribution to the publisher's Jewish Lives series. It is the work of a great historian paying careful attention to a great and disquieting writer."--Robert Eaglestone, Times Higher Education Supplement--Robert Eaglestone "Times Higher Education Supplement "

"Like Kafka's work, Franz Kafka is dense and provocative. In his exploration of Kafka's work, Friedlander calls on his rich knowledge of Central Europe during Kafka's lifetime. . . A candid and stimulating examination of the forces that shaped Kafka's anguished life/work."--Maron L./i>--Maron L. Waxman "Jewish Book Council "

About the Author

Saul Friedlander is a renowned historian of the Holocaust and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. He is Distinguished Emeritus Professor of History and Club 39 Endowed Chair in Holocaust Studies at UCLA. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0300219725
• ISBN 13: 9780300219722
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 200