A Hunger Artist: and other works

Written by Franz Kafka and Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol

Dive into the enigmatic world of Franz Kafka and Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol with the digital audiobook version of "A Hunger Artist and Other Works." This collection is a literary tapestry woven with three remarkable stories: "A Hunger Artist," "The Cloak," and "The Mantle."

A Hunger Artist:

Experience the haunting tale of a man who turns starvation into an art form. As the hunger artist voluntarily withers away in a cage, the story explores the blurred lines between art, sacrifice, and the quest for meaning. Kafka's narrative delves deep into the psyche of the artist, unveiling layers of existential contemplation and societal scrutiny.

The Cloak:

Gogol's satirical masterpiece, "The Cloak," takes you into the life of Akaky Akakievich, a humble civil servant whose world revolves around his worn-out cloak. When tragedy befalls him, the story becomes a poignant commentary on societal hierarchies, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the human need for dignity.

The Mantle:

In "The Mantle," Gogol weaves a tapestry of absurdity and tragedy as the protagonist, Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin, experiences a surreal journey after acquiring a new overcoat. This tale explores themes of identity, social class, and the consequences of one's desires, blending humor with a deep exploration of the human condition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashby Navis & Tennyson Media Publisher
• Release date: Jan 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9781987112665

Franz Kafka

Born in Prague in 1883, the son of a self-made Jewish merchant, Franz Kafka trained as a lawyer and worked in insurance. He published little during his lifetime and lived his life in relative obscurity. He was forced to retire from work in 1917 after being diagnosed with tuberculosis, a debilitating illness which dogged his final years. When he died in 1924 he bequeathed the – mainly unfinished – manuscripts of his novels, stories, letters and diaries to his friend the writer Max Brod with the strict instruction that they should be destroyed. Brod ignored Kafka’s wishes and organised the publication of his work, including The Trial, which appeared in 1925. It is through Brod’s efforts that Kafka is now regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the twentieth century.