This work provides an excellent, concise introduction to Franz Kafka and his works. Chapter 1, "Life and Myth," is biographical, and contrasts Kafka with the heavily layers of mythology built up around him. Chapter 2, "Reading Kafka," offers perspectives on his writings and literary reputation. Chapters 3 and 4 are titled "Bodies" and "Institutions" respectively, and Chapter 5, "The Last Things". The text is supplemented with numerous photographs. My copy of this book is full of my own marginal notes, underlinings, and bent-down page corners, as its a work I feel compelled to return to for its insights. For readers disinclined to tackle Stach's massive 3- volume biography, and the voluminous and impenetrable critiques of Kafka's writing, I highly recommend this work. ( )