Kafka, Franz (1915) ‘Die Verwandlung / Metamorphosis’, true first edition/ publication in the original German language

Franz Kafka (1915) ‘Die Verwandlung [The Matamorphosis]‘, true first publication of the seminal novella in the original German language. Published in the October 1915 issue of Die weißen Blätter, preceeding all other publication forms of the story.

Condition: very good if not better for its age. The Kafka text is not annotated in any way, clean and spotless and feel unread. the magazine’s spine shows some age-related browning. Edges of covers show discolouration. One small closed tear to bottom of front cover.

The Metamorphosis was the longest story published during Kafka’s lifetime, and belongs to the canon of not only German language but also world literature. The seminal story of the protagonist Gregor Samsa who wakes up transformed into a huge insect epitomises the typical Kafkaesque situation as used in modern parlance. By now translated over twenty times into English alone, the story can be read and interpreted in many ways. We have seen very few surviving and untouched copies of the October issue of this magazine since the print run was small, many copies did not survive the Nazi period with organised book burnings as well as WWII, and moreover, collectors had the entire annual run bound into bookform. Here a rare opportunity to acquire the original format.