Innsbruck, July 3, 1983
Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
Today, the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s birth is being celebrated. Symposia, recitals of his works, dramatic performances, as, for example, “Ein Bericht für eine Akademie” (A Report to an Academy), as well as announcements of new editions of his works - they all mark the day. After 1945 Kafka has become one of the most significant writers of the 20th century. His works have been widely translated and received, especially in France and the United States. The Trial, the English translation of Der Prozess, reads nearly as well as the crystal-clear Pragerdeutsch, the German spoken and written in Prague, of the original. Kafka brought to the surface major themes of our century and has given us the key to our self-understanding.