Kafka's nightmarish novels and short stories have come to symbolize modern man's anxiety and alienation in a bizarre, hostile, and dehumanized world. This vision is most fully realized in Kafka's masterpiece, "The Metamorphosis," a story that is both harrowing and amusing, and a landmark of modern literature. Bringing together some of Kafka's finest work, this collection demonstrates the richness and variety of the author's artistry. "The Judgment," which Kafka considered to be his decisive breakthrough, and "The Stoker," which became the first chapter of his novel "Amerika," are here included. These two, along with "The Metamorphosis," form a suite of stories Kafka referred to as "The Sons," and they collectively present a devastating portrait of the modern family.

The world of Franz Kafka and "The Metamorphosis" -- Introduction / by Jason Baker -- A message from the Emperor -- The Metamorphosis -- The judgment -- The stoker: a fragment -- In the penal colony -- A country doctor -- An old leaf -- A hunger artist -- Josephine the singer, or The Mouse people -- Before the law -- Translator's afterword -- Endnotes -- Inspired by Franz Kafka -- Comments & questions -- For further reading.