F

Franz Kafka

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 48 Books

5
Series
48
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Judgement (1912)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Stoker (1913)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The Zürau Aphorisms (1931)

About Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka was a German-speaking Bohemian author famously known for his book The Metamorphosis (1916) and books published posthumously such as The Trial (1925), which often focused on troubled people in a spine-chilling unbiased world. He was fluent in Czech and later learned some knowledge of French culture and language from Flaubert, one of his favorite authors. Franz Kafka attended Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague, where he studied chemistry but later switched to law. This opened him to a wide range of career opportunities, which made his father happy and allowed the author to take lessons in German language and art history. At the university, he joined a club that organized readings and literary events. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Franz Kafka has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Franz Kafka

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
12 books 1912–1927
1

The Judgement

The Judgement is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1912
2

The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1915
3

Unhappiness

Unhappiness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1920
4

A Report to an Academy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Report to an Academy, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1920
5

Before the Law

Before the Law continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1920
6

Jackals and Arabs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Jackals and Arabs, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1920
7

A Little Fable

A Little Fable is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1920
8

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1920
9

The Hunter Gracchus

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Hunter Gracchus, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1920
10

The Trial

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Trial, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1925
11

The Castle

The Castle continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1926
12

Amerika

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Amerika, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1927
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
6 books 1913–1923
1

The Stoker

The Stoker is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1913
2

A Country Doctor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with A Country Doctor, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1919
3

In the Penal Colony

In the Penal Colony is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1919
4

A Hunger Artist

A Hunger Artist continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1920
5

Investigations of a Dog

The investigation intensifies in Investigations of a Dog, as this installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Franz Kafka's creation.

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1922
6

The Burrow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Burrow, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1923
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
3 books 1931–1952
1

The Zürau Aphorisms

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Zürau Aphorisms, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1931
2

Letter to His Father

Letter to His Father is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1952
3

Letters to Milena

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Letters to Milena, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1952
Publication Order of Collections
11 books 1913–2020
1

Meditation

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Meditation, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1913
2

The Metamorphosis and Other Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Metamorphosis and Other Stories, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1949
3

Diaries, 1910-1923

Diaries, 1910-1923 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1949
4

Selected Short Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Selected Short Stories, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1952
5

Parables and Paradoxes

Parables and Paradoxes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1961
6

The Complete Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Complete Stories, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1976
7

Stories 1904-1924

Stories 1904-1924 continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
8

Best Short Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Best Short Stories, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1997
9

The Unhappiness of Being a Single Man

The Unhappiness of Being a Single Man continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
10

He, the Shorter Writings of Franz Kafka

He, the Shorter Writings of Franz Kafka is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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2020
11

The Lost Writings

The Lost Writings continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
Publication Order of Anthologies
16 books 1918–2018
1

Na Colônia Penal

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Na Colônia Penal, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1918
2

The Book of Fantasy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Book of Fantasy, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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1940
3

Shape Shifters: Fantasy and Science Fiction Tales About Humans Who Can Change Their Shapes

Shape Shifters: Fantasy and Science Fiction Tales About Humans Who Can Change Their Shapes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1978
4

The Penguin Book of Horror Stories

The Penguin Book of Horror Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1984
5

Magical Realist Fiction

Magic takes center stage in Magical Realist Fiction, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Franz Kafka.

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1984
6

The Little Book of Horrors: Tiny Tales of Terror

The Little Book of Horrors: Tiny Tales of Terror continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
7

The Short Story: 30 Masterpieces

The Short Story: 30 Masterpieces is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Franz Kafka have come to expect.

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1992
8

The Picador Book of Crime Writing

The investigation intensifies in The Picador Book of Crime Writing, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Franz Kafka's creation.

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1993
9

40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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2000
10

The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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2010
11

Fathers: A Literary Anthology

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fathers: A Literary Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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2011
12

50 Classic Novellas

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 50 Classic Novellas, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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2011
13

The Big Book of Classic Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction

The Big Book of Classic Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
14

Flash Fiction International

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Flash Fiction International, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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2015
15

Great German Short Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great German Short Stories, another outstanding contribution from Franz Kafka.

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2018
16

Writers: Their Lives and Works

Writers: Their Lives and Works continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Franz Kafka's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Franz Kafka?

Franz Kafka is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 48 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Franz Kafka series to start with?

For readers new to Franz Kafka's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 12 books. Begin with The Judgement to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Franz Kafka written?

Franz Kafka has written over 48 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Franz Kafka books in order?

Yes, reading Franz Kafka's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Franz Kafka write in?

Franz Kafka writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 48 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Franz Kafka's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Franz Kafka's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Franz Kafka's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Franz Kafka's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, The Judgement, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.