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German-speaking Bohemian writer, among the greats of modern literature, whose writing affected Western culture and thought. Born in Prague, Austria-Hungary Empire (now Czech Republic). Contracted Typhus and died age 41. Gained fame posthumously, when most of his writings were published by his friend Max Brod, despite his wish that they be burned. Among his works: the short stories The Metamorphosis, The Judgment, A Country Doctor and In the Penal Colony; the novels The Trial, The Castle and Amerika. His unique style expressed the uncertainty of modern human existence. The term Kafkaesque, which denotes an absurd situation, is taken from his writing, which touched on the alienation and helplessness of people confronting bureaucratic mechanisms.
