German Literary Biography, 20th Century German Literature - Literary Criticism
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Overview
A handsome recluse, plagued by indecision and hypochondria, Kafka nonetheless exhibited an extraordinary strength. He developed the uncanny ability to observe himself with cool objectivity, and he cultivated this ability in his writing, where it appeared in increasingly original metaphorical form. His works became among the greatest of the twentieth century, and his influence permeated far and wide, transcending literature. His descriptions of his attempts to escape from a self-made tyranny are his great works of art. In Kafka in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Kafka's life and ideas, and explains their influence on literature and on man's struggle to understand his place in the world. The book also includes selections from Kafka's writings; a list of his chief works in English translation; a chronology of Kafka's life and times; and recommended reading for those who wish to push further.Synopsis
Building on his enormously successful series of Philosophers in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern now applies his witty and incisive prose to brief biographical studies of the world's great writers. He brings their lives and ideas to life in entertaining and accessible fashion. Far from being a novelty, each book is a highly refined appraisal of the writer and his work, authoritative and clearly presented.
New York Times
- William Grimes
Promise[s] to get readers up to speed . . . in 100 pages or so with no dumbing down
Editorials
A.A. Gill
These [books] have changed my life - and . . . will infuriate everyone I talk to for the rest of the year.— Sunday Times (London)
Birmingham News
[Strathern] offers insights on great authors so you can understand and enjoy them. Brainy!Brian J. Buchanan
It furnishes a quick way for general readers to familiarize themselves with writers they wish to read or re-read.— Tennessean
Katherine A. Powers
Witty and dramatic . . . I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.— Boston Globe
KLIATT
Strathern . . . offers concise and cogent commentary on every page . . . comparable to attending the lecture of a noted professor.Professor Frank Barnaby
Very interesting and important book. It should be read by all politicians and all interested in nuclear non-proliferation. It is particularly important at the moment when we have a crisis in nuclear non-proliferation. I very much hope the book does well.— Nuclear Issues Consultant, Oxford Research Group, and Former Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Richard Bernstein
Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them . . . I find them hard to stop reading.— New York Times
The Bookwatch
Fine guide, especially recommended for students.... Provide[s] concise overviews.... Makes an easily digested introduction.The Bookwatch
The blend of biographical background and literary criticism . . . makes each an easily-digested introduction.William Grimes
Promise[s] to get readers up to speed . . . in 100 pages or so with no dumbing down— New York Times
Foreword Magazine
…Succinct and easy-to-read synopsis of the unusual—even dysfunctional—life...ForeWord Reviews
…Succinct and easy-to-read synopsis of the unusual—even dysfunctional—life...Tennessean
It furnishes a quick way for general readers to familiarize themselves with writers they wish to read or re-read.— Brian J. Buchanan
The Bookwatch
Fine guide, especially recommended for students…. Provide[s] concise overviews…. Makes an easily digested introduction.Book Details
Published
December 1, 2004
Publisher
Dee, Ivan R. Publisher
Pages
128
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781566636209