Die Verwandlung
Franz Kafka, 1915
KAFKA, Franz (1883-1924). Die Verwandlung. Leipzig: Kurt Wolff Verlag, 1915.

Fine first edition of Kafka's eerie fantasy of psychological transformation and social alienation. Following its first appearance in the journal "Die Weissen Blätter," Kafka was eager to have the novel published in book form by Kurt Wolff. After he learned that Ottomar Starke was illustrating the cover he wrote to the publishing house in a letter dated 25 October 1915: "The insect itself must not be illustrated by a drawing. It cannot be shown at all, not even from a distance." "Der Jüngste Tag" 22/23; Dietz 26; Wilpert/Gühring 4.

Octavo. Publisher's advertisements at end. Illustrated wrappers printed in black and red with cover illustration by Ottomar Starke, printed flaps (a little toning, light edgewear to wrappers and a small erasure.) Custom clamshell box. Provenance: Henrik Falktoft (his sale, Christie's East, 17 April 2001, lot 119).