Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is one of the defining works of twentieth-century literature and a landmark of modernist fiction. First published in German as Die Verwandlung, this celebrated novella tells the extraordinary story of Gregor Samsa, who awakens one morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect. Through this unsettling and unforgettable premise, Kafka explores themes of alienation, identity, family duty and the isolation of the individual.

This 2010 First Edition from The Folio Society is a particularly handsome illustrated edition. It features an introduction by the acclaimed British author Will Self, whose work provides an insightful modern perspective on Kafka and his enduring influence. The book is also illustrated by Bill Bragg, whose artwork complements the strange, disturbing atmosphere of the story. Produced to Folio Society standards, this edition combines one of literature's most important modern classics with thoughtful contemporary interpretation and illustration.

Franz Kafka (1883–1924) was a German-speaking Bohemian writer whose fiction has had a profound influence on modern literature. His distinctive works, including The Trial, The Castle and Metamorphosis, are renowned for their exploration of bureaucracy, anxiety, alienation and the often bewildering nature of modern life. His unique and unsettling literary vision gave rise to the term “Kafkaesque”, now widely used to describe situations marked by surreal complexity and oppressive absurdity.