100 years since the death of Franz Kafka (1883-1924), the Bodleian Libraries and the University of Oxford will celebrate the life and work of one of the most influential writers of all time.
Oxford is the natural home for a centenary celebration of Franz Kafka. The University is a leading centre for Kafka studies led by the Oxford Kafka Research Centre and the Bodleian Libraries house the world’s largest Kafka archive. Along with the original manuscripts of two of Kafka’s unfinished novels, ‘Das Schloss’ (The Castle) and ‘Der Verchollene’ (America), the Bodleian also holds his literary notebooks, drawings, letters, diaries, and postcards.
The #OxfordKafka24 campaign will include a new free exhibition at the Bodleian’s Weston Library, 'Kafka: Making of Icon' (30 May - 27 October 2024), the second installment in the Bodleian’s Great Writer series which launched with 'Chaucer: Here and Now' in December 2023. The exhibition will include materials from the archives that will provide a unique perspective on the experiences that shaped Kafka's writing.
Richard Ovenden OBE, Bodley’s Librarian, says ‘100 years after his death, readers across the globe continue to learn from and be inspired by Kafka’s life and works – many of the originals of which are held in the Bodleian’s collections. This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate his legacy and enduring influence.’
Since the posthumous publication of his work and ‘rediscovery’ in the middle of the twentieth century, Kafka has become a global writer. His novels and short stories have been translated into multiple languages. His body of work offers profound insights into the human condition, alienation, relationships, and transformation.
The University of Oxford will host a series of academic and public events over 2024 exploring Kafka’s global appeal and it will publish a limited edition print of ‘The Metamorphosis’ that will be distributed to every student of the university and to schools and libraries around the county of Oxfordshire for #OxfordReadsKafka.
Highlight events in the Kafka series will include:
Kafka: Making of an Icon
30 May 2024 – 27 October 2024
ST Lee Gallery, Weston Library
Tickets Free; Drop-in
A public reading of ‘The Metamorphosis’
3 June 2024
6PM – 7:30PM
The Sheldonian Theater
Ticketed: Book tickets at Oxford Reads Kafka.
Further details of the Oxford Reads Kafka programme can be found online.
