(1993 [1994])
Totem Books,
1993 Series
Published in English
(United States)
- Price
- 10.95 USD
- Pages
- 180
- On-sale Date
- 1994-05-01
- Indicia / Colophon Publisher
- ?
- Brand
- ?
- ISBN
-
1-874166-09-9
- Barcode
- 9781874166092
- Editing
- Richard Appignanesi (originating editor)
- Color
- Black and White
- Dimensions
- 5.5" x 8.25"
- Binding
- Trade Paperback
- Publishing Format
- Graphic Novel
Issue Notes
The book is an extended illustrated essay about 20th-century Czech author Franz Kafka. The essay text is by David Zane Mairowitz. The text sections feature single-image illustrations, panel cartoons, and short strips related to the essay narrative. The artwork is all by Robert Crumb. The essay also incorporates comics adaptations by Crumb of Kafka's fiction.
The book's copyright page states the publication year was 1993. The 1994 on-sale date is from the U. S. copyright registration. The reason for the discrepancy is unknown.
The copyright registration was not filed by Totem Books. It was instead filed by Kitchen Sink Press (in 1996) on behalf of David Zane Mairowitz and Robert Crumb. Kitchen Sink does not appear to have been involved in the publication of the book in any way. Their only connection seems to be their long-time business relationship with Crumb. (Kitchen Sink published multiple Crumb titles during its lifetime, and company founder Denis Kitchen is Crumb's media agent.) It is unknown whether Kitchen Sink had access to Totem's records when the registration was filed.
The book's copyright page states the publication year was 1993. The 1994 on-sale date is from the U. S. copyright registration. The reason for the discrepancy is unknown.
The copyright registration was not filed by Totem Books. It was instead filed by Kitchen Sink Press (in 1996) on behalf of David Zane Mairowitz and Robert Crumb. Kitchen Sink does not appear to have been involved in the publication of the book in any way. Their only connection seems to be their long-time business relationship with Crumb. (Kitchen Sink published multiple Crumb titles during its lifetime, and company founder Denis Kitchen is Crumb's media agent.) It is unknown whether Kitchen Sink had access to Totem's records when the registration was filed.
- Parts of this issue are reprinted:
-
in Kafka (Actes Sud, 1996 series) (1996) -
in Kafka (Reprodukt, 2013 series) (2013) - in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
in Kafka: en introduktion (Bakhåll, 1998 series) #[nn] - in R. Crumb's Kafka (ibooks, 2004 series) (November 2004)
- in R. Crumb's Kafka (ibooks, 2004 series) (November 2004) which is reprinted
-
in Jewish Comix Anthology (Alternate History Comics Inc., 2014 series) #[1] ([July] 2014) [excerpt only]
-
Introducing Kafka / David Zane Mairowitz and Robert Crumb
Introducing Kafka / cover / 1 page
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb (painted)
- Inks
- Robert Crumb (painted)
- Colors
- Robert Crumb (painted)
- Letters
- typeset
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
-
Also Available from Totem
promo (ad from the publisher) / 1 page
- Synopsis
- A house ad featuring 16 other books in Totem's "Introducing" line of illustrated guides to major cultural figures and other areas of study.
Introducing Kafka / David Zane Mairowitz and Robert Crumb
Introducing Kafka / illustration / 1 page
- Characters
- Franz Kafka
- Synopsis
- The book's title page. The book title and author names are hand-lettered. They are accompanied by a pen-and-ink illustration of a young Franz Kafka. The publisher's name is typeset at the bottom of the page.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 9 pages
- Script
- David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose text and Kafka translations from German); Franz Kafka (diary excerpt)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- typeset; Robert Crumb
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- The image of a wide pork butcher's knife...
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka; Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel
- Synopsis
- The opening section of the essay. It discusses clichéd contemporary perceptions of Kafka. It also includes a three-panel adaptation of an excerpt from Kafka's diary.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
-
Golem
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 3.5 pages
- Script
- David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose text and Loew translations from German); Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- typeset; Robert Crumb
- Genre
- biography; fantasy-supernatural; history; religious
- Characters
- Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel; the Prague Golem
- Synopsis
- A part-comics/part-text adaptation and synopsis of Rabbi Loew's story of the Prague Golem.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 13.5 pages
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- This was not the end of the Golem.
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka; R. Israel Ben Eliezer; Leopold Hilsner; Hermann Kafka
- Synopsis
- Kafka's biography continues. His childhood and family life are covered. Jewish culture in Prague is discussed, including the anti-Semitism of the time.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007), (2007)
-
Indexer Notes
The text is accompanied by illustrations and single-panel cartoons. There is also a multi-panel strip dramatizing Kafka's relationship with his father.
The Judgment
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 7 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- Robert Crumb
- Genre
- drama; domestic
- Characters
- Georg Bendemann; Georg's father
- Synopsis
- A comics adaptation of Franz Kafka's 1912 short story "Das Urteil" ("The Judgment").
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 3 pages
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- This wasn't the only time Kafka would arrange to have himself SENTENCED TO DEATH.
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka; Hermann Kafka
- Synopsis
- Kafka's angst-filled adolescence and early adulthood.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
Metamorphosis
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 17 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose and text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- Robert Crumb; typeset
- Genre
- drama; humor; anthropomorphic-funny animals; domestic; fantasy-supernatural; religious
- Characters
- Gregor Samsa; Grete Samsa; Mother Samsa; Father Samsa; the Samsa home's lodgers
- Synopsis
- A comics adaptation of Franz Kafka's 1916 short story "Die Verwandlung" ("The Metamorphosis").
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 1 page
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- Kafka did not want the insect to be seen.
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Synopsis
- A discussion of Kafka's use of anthropomorphism in "The Metamorphosis" and other stories.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
The Burrow
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 2 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose and text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- typeset; Robert Crumb
- Genre
- animal
- Characters
- The Burrow
- Synopsis
- An adaptation with commentary on Franz Kafka's undated short story "Der Bau" ("The Burrow").
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 16 pages
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- In fact, Kafka would find dozens of ways to dispose of himself...
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka; Hermann Kafka; Felice Bauer
- Synopsis
- A discussion of Kafka's adulthood before World War I, including his psychosomatism, romantic relationships, and day job with an insurance company.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
In the Penal Colony
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 10 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose and text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- Robert Crumb; typeset
- Genre
- drama; horror-suspense
- Characters
- A Traveler; The Officer
- Synopsis
- A comics adaptation of Franz Kafka's 1919 short story "In der Strafkolonie" ("In the Penal Colony").
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 3 pages
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- War was now breaking out...
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka
- Synopsis
- Franz Kafka during World War I.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
The Trial
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 8 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose and text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- Robert Crumb; typeset
- Genre
- drama; horror-suspense
- Characters
- Josef K.
- Synopsis
- A comics adaptation of excerpts from Franz Kafka's 1915 novel "Der Prozess" ("The Trial").
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
"When the War ended in 1918..."
Introducing Kafka / text story / 13 pages
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka; Milena Jesenska
- Synopsis
- Kafka's life in Prague after World War I, including his relationship with Milena Jesenska.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
The Castle
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 16 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose and text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- Robert Crumb; typeset
- Genre
- drama; horror-suspense
- Characters
- K.; Olga; Frieda; Klamm; Pepi
- Synopsis
- A comics adaptation of excerpts from Franz Kafka's unfinished 1922 novel "Das Schloss" ("The Castle").
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 3 pages
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- According to Max Brod there is a variant ending...
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Characters
- Franz Kafka; K.
- Synopsis
- A discussion of Kafka's treatment of women in his fiction.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[Leni in The Trial]
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 4 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose and text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- Robert Crumb; typeset
- Genre
- drama
- Characters
- Leni; Josef K.
- Synopsis
- A comics adaptation of Leni's seduction of Josef K. in "The Trial."
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[no title indexed]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 11 pages
- First Line of Dialogue or Text
- The outcome of these relationships...
- Characters
- Franz Kafka; Ottla Kafka; Dora Diamant
- Synopsis
- A discussion of Kafka's attitudes toward sex, his desire to move to Palestine, his tuberculosis, and his relocation to Berlin with girlfriend Dora Diamant.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007), (2007)
-
A Hunger Artist
Introducing Kafka / comic story / 10 pages
- Script
- Franz Kafka (original story); Robert Crumb (adaptation); David Zane Mairowitz (framing prose and text translations from German)
- Pencils
- Robert Crumb
- Inks
- Robert Crumb
- Letters
- Robert Crumb; typeset
- Genre
- drama; horror-suspense; satire-parody
- Characters
- The Hunger Artist
- Synopsis
- A comics adaptation of Franz Kafka's 1924 short story "Ein Hungerkünstler" ("A Hunger Artist").
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
Afterword
Introducing Kafka / text article / 22 pages
- Genre
- non-fiction; biography; history
- Synopsis
- A discussion of Franz Kafka's legacy.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
- in Kafka (Fantagraphics, 2007 series) (2007)
-
[Author Biographies]
text article / 1 page
- Synopsis
- Short biographies of Robert Crumb and David Zane Mairowitz.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
-
Also Available from Totem
promo (ad from the publisher) / 1 page
- Letters
- typeset
- Synopsis
- A house ad featuring 15 more books in Totem's "Introducing" line of illustrated guides to major cultural figures and other areas of study. "Introducing Kafka" is among those listed on this page.
[Back Cover]
Introducing Kafka / text article / 1 page
- Synopsis
- The back cover of the book. The text is a teaser treatment of the book's contents. A panel from the book's "Metamorphosis" adaptation appears below the text.
- Reprints
- in Kafka kurz und knapp (Zweitausendeins, 1995 series) (August 1995)
-
Editing
Related Scans
Table of Contents
-
0.
Introducing Kafka / David Zane Mairowitz and Robert Crumb
Introducing Kafka -
1.
Also Available from Totem
-
2.
Introducing Kafka / David Zane Mairowitz and Robert Crumb
Introducing Kafka -
3.
[Copyright page]
-
4.
["The image of a wide pork butcher's knife..."]
Introducing Kafka -
5.
Golem
Introducing Kafka -
6.
["This was not the end of the Golem."]
Introducing Kafka -
7.
The Judgment
Introducing Kafka -
8.
["This wasn't the only time Kafka would arrange to have himself SENTENCED TO DEATH."]
Introducing Kafka -
9.
Metamorphosis
Introducing Kafka -
10.
["Kafka did not want the insect to be seen."]
Introducing Kafka -
11.
The Burrow
Introducing Kafka -
12.
["In fact, Kafka would find dozens of ways to dispose of himself..."]
Introducing Kafka -
13.
In the Penal Colony
Introducing Kafka -
14.
["War was now breaking out..."]
Introducing Kafka -
15.
The Trial
Introducing Kafka -
16.
"When the War ended in 1918..."
Introducing Kafka -
17.
The Castle
Introducing Kafka -
18.
["According to Max Brod there is a variant ending..."]
Introducing Kafka -
19.
[Leni in The Trial]
Introducing Kafka -
20.
["The outcome of these relationships..."]
Introducing Kafka -
21.
A Hunger Artist
Introducing Kafka -
22.
Afterword
Introducing Kafka -
23.
[Author Biographies]
-
24.
Also Available from Totem
-
25.
[Back Cover]
Introducing Kafka
This issue was modified by
- R. S. Martin
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