BY G. Frank Lydston. Preface by Colin Heston

The wind howls across the desolate plains of the Old West, not with the romantic whistle of a ballad, but with the coarse, biting grit of reality. In the flickering shadows of a kerosene lamp, silhouettes gather around a scarred felt table, their faces etched with the histories of desperate gambles and hard-won wisdom. This is the world of G. Frank Lydston—a world where the line between the hero and the rogue is as thin as a worn playing card and twice as fragile.

In his seminal collection, Poker Jim, Gentleman, and Other Tales and Sketches, Lydston does more than recount anecdotes; he performs a literary autopsy on the American frontier. As a physician and a keen observer of human nature, he brought a surgical precision to his storytelling, looking past the polished myths of the "Wild West" to reveal the raw, pulsing nerves of the men and women who inhabited it. He understood that the wilderness was not merely a location, but a crucible that burned away the pretenses of civilization to reveal the true metal of the soul.

The titular character, Poker Jim, serves as the ultimate paradox of this untamed wilderness. He is a man who thrives in the so-called dens of iniquity, yet he carries himself with a code of ethics more rigid and unwavering than many of the city judges who would seek to condemn him. Through Jim and a cast of vibrant, often tragic figures, Lydston explores the profound duality of man, demonstrating how a gambler can possess the heart of a saint while a self-proclaimed gentleman might harbor the soul of a thief. To Lydston, the environment was never just a backdrop; it was a character in its own right—one that tested, broke, and occasionally redeemed the human spirit.

Lydston’s prose is a unique blend of Victorian elegance and frontier ruggedness, capturing the rough dialect of the mining camp and the sophisticated musings of the scholar with equal fervor. This collection stands as a testament to an era that was rapidly vanishing even as he wrote—a transition from lawless expansion to the paved certainty of the modern age. As you turn these pages, you step into smoke-filled saloons and silent, starlit canyons to witness the birth of a national identity forged in the fires of chance. You are invited to learn the philosophy of the hand: that life, much like the game itself, is rarely about the cards you are dealt, but the courage with which you play them.

Monarch Book Co., Chicago, 1906. Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. p.233.

By EDNA FERBER, IRVIN S. COBB, PETER B. KYNE, JAMES OLIVER CURWOOD, MEREDITH NICHOLSON, and H. C. WITWER. Edited by RAY LONG. Preface by Colin Heston.

In this book, you will find a rare and intimate glimpse into the minds of some of America’s most celebrated storytellers of the early twentieth century. Edna Ferber, Irvin S. Cobb, Peter B. Kyne, James Oliver Curwood, Meredith Nicholson, and H. C. Witwer—names that graced the covers of magazines and the shelves of countless homes—come together in this unique collection to share the stories they themselves hold dearest.

Unlike anthologies chosen by editors or critics, this volume is deeply personal. Each author was invited to select the work that, in their own judgment, best represents their craft, their ideals, and their voice. These are not merely stories—they are reflections of character, ambition, and artistry, chosen by the creators themselves.

The idea behind this book is simple yet profound: who better to decide what is “best” than the writer who gave the story life? Here, you will encounter tales that stirred their authors’ hearts, stories that perhaps marked turning points in their careers, or pieces that captured the essence of their creative spirit.

As Ray Long, the distinguished editor of Cosmopolitan, notes in his introduction, this collection is more than entertainment—it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the pride of authorship. It invites readers not only to enjoy these narratives but to appreciate the personal significance they hold for their creators.

So turn the page and step into a world where the voices of six remarkable writers speak directly to you, offering the stories they love best. In doing so, they reveal something more than plot and character—they reveal themselves.

NY. International Magazine Company. 1925. Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 157p.

Three Plays By Henry Becque. Translated From The French With An Introduction By Freeman Tilden. Preface by Colin Heston.

To enter the world of Henry Becque is to step into a theater stripped of its finery. As we present these three plays—”The Vultures”, “The Woman of Paris”, and “The Merry-Go-Round”—it is essential to recognize the revolutionary "brutal strength" Becque required to "knock over the idols of romance" that dominated the 19th-century stage.

Freeman Tilden’s introduction serves as a vigorous defense of Becque as the pioneer of realism. Tilden correctly identifies Becque as a "revolutionist" who flouted the "happy ending" and the rigid traditions of dramatists like Sardou. He eloquently describes Becque’s vision of a stage representing the "dramatic commonplaces of every-day life" rather than the "sentimental nonsense" of the era.

However, a modern critique of Tilden’s introduction reveals two areas where his analysis might be expanded:

First, “The Nature of the "Cruel Theatre": Tilden focuses heavily on the “structural” revolution—the five-act drama and the rejection of mystery-driven plots. While he mentions Becque’s "militant" social ideas, he arguably underplays the psychological darkness of the "cruel theatre". Becque did not just want realism; he wanted truth to go "defiantly bare," revealing a world where "vultures" (lawyers, partners, and creditors) wait for a man to die before descending on his family.

Second, “The Gender Perspective:” Tilden notes that Becque voiced "the protest of women against the prejudice that kept them from earning a decent livelihood". Yet, in his discussion of “The Woman of Paris” (“La Parisienne”), Tilden remains somewhat focused on the "naughty triangle" and the prosaic nature of adultery. A modern critique would emphasize that Becque’s women are often forced into moral compromises not by choice, but by a "bureaucratic system" that offers them only parasitism or ruin.

Despite these nuances, Tilden’s assertion remains true: Becque was the "wedge that opened the way for realism". He cleared the ground for Ibsen and the modernists by proving that a play could be "clear without being obvious" and that everyday existence held enough surprises for a master of stagecraft.

In this collection, readers will witness the "unexpectedly striking" scenes that puzzled 19th-century critics—from the savage dinner of the concierges in “The Prodigal Son” to the cold-blooded notary Bourdon in “The Vultures”. We invite you to experience the "cruel theatre" in its purest form: a mirror held up to the "marvellous dramatic commonplaces" of our own human struggle.

New York. Mitchell Kennerley. 1913. Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 267p.

By David Freedman. Introduction by Colin Heston.

David Freedman (1898–1936) was a central figure in the literary and entertainment world of the early 20th century. While Mendel Marantz remains his most enduring prose creation, his career spanned a vast range of media, from short stories to Broadway stages and the burgeoning world of radio

Freedman began his rise to prominence in the early 1920s. Mendel Marantz first appeared as a series of popular short stories in The Pictorial Review Company between 1922 and 1924. These stories were so well-received that they were compiled into the 1926 novel. The book’s dedication to Arthur Turner Vance expresses Freedman's gratitude for "bringing humble Mendel Marantz into the salons of literature," highlighting the character's journey from a folk figure to a literary icon.

Freedman's talent for sharp, rhythmic dialogue and philosophical wit—perfected in Mendel’s "What is...?" proverbs—led him naturally toward the performing arts.

Stage Success: In the mid-1920s, he transitioned to Broadway, writing for the legendary Ziegfeld Follies. He became a lead writer for comedy icons, most notably Eddie Cantor.

The Radio King: By the 1930s, Freedman was known as the "King of Radio Writers." At the height of his career, he was reportedly writing scripts for several of the most popular shows on the air simultaneously, earning a then-staggering salary for his creative output.

Freedman's work is characterized by a unique blend of immigrant humor and universal human truth. In Mendel Marantz, he explores the tension between the "fish market" of Pitt Street and the "Fifth Avenue" of high society. The novel captures the evolution of the Marantz family over several years, following their growth from a small apartment where "seven people in three rooms" lived like "cats on a roof" to the invention of the "Pitt Street Studio Apartments de Luxe. Mendel Marantz (1926), the full novel that solidified his reputationThe story was later adapted for both the stage and the 1926 silent film The Family Upstairs.

Freedman's career was cut short by his early death in 1936, but his "What is...?" philosophy continues to offer a window into the resilient, dreaming spirit of the era.

About the novel: Meet Mendel Marantz: the philosopher of the Fifth Avenue mind living in a fifth-floor walk-up. In David Freedman’s timeless classic, we step into the bustling, heart-filled world of the Marantz family, where the rent is high, the tea is hot, and the jokes are always free At the center of it all is Mendel—a man who views work as "poison" but sees life as a "see-saw" of endless possibilities While his wife, Zelde, scrubs away the "ocean of troubles" on a washboard, Mendel is busy dreaming up the next big thing, like his revolutionary Refillable Can Company. He’s the original "idea man," a dreamer who believes that while "fools can make money," only brains can create a future.

But when the family hits a breaking point, Zelde stages a revolt that flips their world upside down. In a modern twist on roles, Mendel finds himself trading his inventions for the "charms" of 1920s housekeeping—battling flying pillows, greasy garbage, and the relentless energy of six children. It’s a hilarious and poignant look at family dynamics that feels surprisingly fresh today.

Whether he’s turning a crumbling Pitt Street tenement into a "Studio Apartment de Luxe" or navigating the high-society dreams of his daughter Sarah, Mendel meets every challenge with a sharp wit and a signature "What is...?" proverb.

Mendel Marantz isn't just a book about the old days; it’s a celebration of the dreamer in all of us, proving that no matter how tough the "journey" gets, it's always better with a joke and a cup of tea.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. p.212.

By Afshin rad

The document The Inner Beams by Afshin Rad is a historical novel set in East Berlin during the final years of the Cold War, focusing on the brutal atmosphere created by the East German Ministry of State Security, the Stasi. The narrative combines political history with a deeply personal story, illustrating how authoritarianism corrodes ordinary lives. It opens with a preface explaining the power and reach of the Stasi, an organization that employed nearly a hundred thousand agents and twice as many informants under the chilling slogan that anyone who “thinks differently” is an enemy.

The story follows Nadia, a young, marginalized woman surviving on the fringes of society through prostitution while raising her daughter Maya. Despite her poverty, stigmatization, and abuse at the hands of neighbors and strangers, she displays resilience and a rebellious spirit. Her life becomes entangled with the violence and hypocrisy of both the state and the church. She is alternately vilified and desired, caught between accusations of being a spy and exploitation by priests who hide their own corruption.

As events unfold, Nadia becomes a victim of the Stasi’s cruelty. She is imprisoned, tortured, and left for dead, only to be saved by a compassionate old man who hides her and helps her plan to reclaim her daughter, who has been taken by Party officials. Their efforts culminate in a daring but tragic attempt to rescue the child from a powerful regime family. The old man sacrifices his life to protect Nadia, while she herself endures near-death encounters in the collapsing state.

Against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall’s fall and the chaos of 1989, Nadia’s fate is sealed in both tragedy and symbolic triumph. Though she dies violently, her memory and sacrifice become a posthumous inspiration. Her grave, once marked with disdain, is later reclaimed as a shrine to freedom, with an epitaph honoring her rebellious spirit.

The work blends history, fiction, and allegory to show how individuals—especially the marginalized and forgotten—resist oppression and become unwilling martyrs of liberty. Through Nadia’s story, the book captures the human cost of totalitarianism while leaving readers with a sense of dignity, defiance, and the enduring value of freedom.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 77p.

By H. G. Wells (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)

The Time Machine & Tales of Space and Time — H. G. Wells

This single volume unites two of H. G. Wells’ most celebrated explorations of imagination, science, and the unknown.

The Time Machine (1895) is the groundbreaking novella that introduced the very concept of a mechanical device for traveling through time. The unnamed Time Traveller journeys to the distant future, where humanity has evolved into two divergent races — the delicate, surface-dwelling Eloi and the subterranean, menacing Morlocks. What begins as a scientific adventure becomes a haunting meditation on evolution, class, and the ultimate fate of the Earth. With its blend of suspense, philosophical inquiry, and visionary speculation, it remains one of the cornerstones of science fiction literature.

Tales of Space and Time (1899) is a collection of five shorter works in which Wells turns his storytelling genius to other worlds, cosmic dangers, and extraordinary discoveries.

• "The Crystal Egg" — A mysterious artifact reveals visions of life on Mars.

• "The Star" — A celestial visitor threatens the very survival of Earth.

• "A Story of the Stone Age" — Life-and-death struggles in humanity’s prehistoric dawn.

• "A Story of the Days to Come" — A chilling vision of a crowded, mechanized future society.

• "The Man Who Could Work Miracles" — An ordinary man gains unlimited supernatural powers, with unexpected results.

Together in one volume, these works display Wells’ unmatched ability to fuse scientific possibility with human drama. They offer both thrilling adventure and thought-provoking commentary on technology, progress, and our place in the universe — a combination that has kept his stories fresh and relevant for more than a century.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 198 p.

By Ring W. Gardner (Author), Colin Heston (Preface) Format: Kindle Edition

Round Up gathers together the taut, muscular stories of Ring W. Lardner, a writer whose work bridges the divide between the mythologized West and its harsher, less forgiving realities. In these pages, Lardner is neither sentimental nor nostalgic. He strips the Western narrative to its barest elements, presenting us with a landscape that is both expansive and claustrophobic, and characters who are caught between the lure of freedom and the inevitability of fate.
Lardner’s contribution to the American short story lies in his ability to invest the familiar tropes of frontier life with psychological depth and moral ambiguity. His cowboys and ranchers are not mere archetypes; they are restless souls negotiating loyalty, isolation, and survival in a world where law and justice are provisional at best. The violence in these stories is never gratuitous—it is sudden, often senseless, and always carries a human cost. Lardner understands that the West was not only a place but also an idea, one that promised reinvention yet often delivered ruin.
What sets Lardner apart from many of his contemporaries is his prose: terse, unsentimental, yet charged with a quiet lyricism. His narratives move with the inevitability of a gathering storm, his dialogue as spare as the plains he describes. The result is a body of work that feels astonishingly modern in its refusal of easy resolutions.
In an era when the Western genre risks being dismissed as an artifact of popular culture, Round Up demands reconsideration. These are not mere adventure tales or moral fables. They are stories of a liminal world, where the boundaries between civilization and wilderness, justice and vengeance, myth and memory, blur and collapse. Lardner’s West is not simply the West that was; it is also the West as it continues to haunt the American imagination.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

A Child’s Garden of Verses is a celebrated collection of poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1885. This volume, part of the Swanston Edition—a comprehensive and scholarly presentation of Stevenson’s works—appears as Volume XIV in the series, offering readers a carefully curated and historically contextualized version of this beloved classic.

The collection contains over 60 poems that reflect the world through the eyes of a child. Stevenson explores themes such as play, imagination, solitude, illness, and the natural world, capturing the emotional and intellectual landscape of childhood with remarkable sensitivity and lyrical grace. Poems like “My Shadow,” “The Land of Nod,” and “Bed in Summer” have become enduring favorites, celebrated for their rhythm, simplicity, and universal appeal.

The Swanston Edition enhances the reading experience with thoughtful editorial notes, biographical context, and period-appropriate formatting, making it ideal for literary scholars, collectors, and general readers alike. This edition not only preserves the charm and innocence of Stevenson’s verse but also situates it within the broader scope of his literary legacy.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

"The New Arabian Nights" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a captivating collection of short stories that showcases his talent for blending adventure, mystery, and humor. Volume 4 of his works includes these tales, which are inspired by the classic "Arabian Nights" but set in contemporary Europe.

The Suicide Club: The collection opens with "The Suicide Club," a trilogy of stories that revolve around Prince Florizel of Bohemia and his loyal companion, Colonel Geraldine. They stumble upon a secret society where members gamble with their lives, seeking an escape from their troubles through death. The stories are filled with suspense, intrigue, and Stevenson's signature wit, as the prince and the colonel navigate dangerous situations to uncover the club's dark secrets.

The Rajah's Diamond: Another notable story is "The Rajah's Diamond," which is divided into four parts. It follows the adventures of a priceless diamond and the various characters who come into possession of it. The diamond's journey leads to a series of thrilling and unexpected events, showcasing Stevenson's ability to weave complex plots and create memorable characters.

Other Stories: The volume also includes other engaging tales such as "The Pavilion on the Links," a story of love, betrayal, and revenge set against the backdrop of a remote Scottish coast, and "A Lodging for the Night," which features the infamous French poet François Villon and his escapades in medieval Paris.

"The New Arabian Nights" is a testament to Stevenson's versatility as a writer. Each story is rich with vivid descriptions, dynamic characters, and a blend of humor and suspense. Stevenson's ability to transport readers to different settings and immerse them in the adventures of his characters makes this collection a delightful and compelling read. Volume 4 of his works highlights Stevenson's skill in crafting engaging narratives that continue to captivate readers with their originality and charm.

Australia. Read-Me.Org. Inc. 2025. 197p.

By James Branch Cabell. Introduction by Colin Heston.

This book offers a witty and insightful examination of love, honor, and human imperfection. Through his richly drawn characters and elegant prose, he creates a collection of entertaining and thought-provoking stories. The themes of romantic love and societal expectations are explored with humor and irony, making "Gallantry" a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. His writing stands out for its sophisticated prose, satirical edge, and intricate exploration of themes like love, honor, and human folly. His style is a unique blend of fantasy and social critique, making his works both entertaining and thought-provoking. Gallantry is a fascinating collection of comedic narratives that delve into romantic entanglements and societal interplay, set against a backdrop reminiscent of the 18th century. Gallantry is part of Cabell's larger body of work that often blends fantasy, satire, and historical fiction. The book is structured as a series of interconnected stories, each exploring different facets of love, honor, and human imperfection. Cabell's writing is known for its wit, irony, and elaborate prose, which are all evident in this collection.

Original Publication Date: 1922. Publisher: Robert M. McBride & Company. This version Read-Me.Org Inc 2025. 237p.

By Bill Bryson

FROM CHAPTER 1: “In the late summer of 1996, an old journalist friend from London named Simon Kelner called me in New Hampshire, to where I had lately moved after living for twenty-some years in Britain. Simon had recently been made editor of Night& Day magazine, a supplement ofthe Mail on Sunday newspaper, and it was his idea that I should write a weekly column for him on America. At various times over the years Simon had persuaded me to do all kinds of work that I didn't have time to do, but this was way out of the question.

"No," I said. "I can't. I'm sorry. It's just not possible. I've got too much on."

"So can you start next week?"

"Simon, you don't seem tounderstand. I can't do it."

"We thought we'd call it 'Notes from a Big Country.'" "Simon, you'll have to call it 'Big Blank Space in the Magazine' because I cannot do it."

NY. Broadway Books. 1999. 299p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By E. E. Reynolds

FROM THE PREFACE: “The yarns in this book are all narratives of actual experiences. It is not usually difficult to get the books written by famous explorers, such as Livingstone, and their achievements are also recorded in biographies; but there have been a great many men who have travelled in the lesser known parts of the world without becoming famous. Many of the stories that follow are drawn from the adventures ofsuch minor explorers. One group. of the yarns is about early settlers in the Dominions; these men and women had to endure much hardship while creating new homes, but unfortunately few of themrecorded their experiences.

Oxford University Press. 1953. 160p.

By Colin Heston

In this collection of short stories, follow the exploits of supreme psychiatrist and criminologist  Franco Ferrapotti as he weaves a web of intrigue in the labyrinths of the United Nations and the surreal world of Italian politics, big money, and of course, the Vatican. Other stories of high achievement explore the ancient origin of the animal species and gendered humans, the exciting zoo of enlightenment installed on the island that once housed Alcatraz, making it into the dream University of the Chosen, or if you prefer, getting elected the new Secretary General of the United Nations. But that’s not all. Get a brief glimpse of the future where precision doctors edit who you are or who you want to be. These stories originally appeared as part of the poipular Friday Story series offered free by Read-Me.Org on its web site during 2022-2023.

NY & Philadelphia. Read-Me.Org. Paperback. 2023. 147p. All proceeds go to Read-Me.org

By Colin Heston. Illustrations by Graeme Newman

29 short stories inspired by the vicissitudes of punishment in all its forms, its deliverers and recipients. Its universality across cultures and at every level of social life from the kitchen to the battlefield never ceases to amaze. The stories unveil the diverse motives and excuses for punishment that paradoxically form the foundation of that great shibboleth of humanity:  justice. The stories range through childhood spats to military encounters, , family discourse and dysfunction, to the puzzle of how criminal justice manages to match a punishment to its respective crime (it can't). Taken together, the stories ask one seemingly silly question of human history: which came first, the crime or the punishment? The stories first appeared in the popular Friday Stories series published every other Friday on Read-Me.Org beginning in 2021 and continuing through 2022.

NY and Philadelphia. Read-Me.Org. 2023. 283p. Paperback. All proceeds donated to Read-Me.Org.

By Rudyard Kipling

PUBLISHER PREFACE: The book you are about to read is composed of stories written by Rudyard Kipling. Originally, these stories were in two volumes entitled "The Jungle Book." * and " The Second Jungle Book." The present volume combines all of the Mowgli Stories under one cover. In addition, "Rikki Tikki Tavi," "The Elephant Boy," * and "The Miracle of Purun Bhagat" have been included. Certain other stories that appeared in the original books have been omitted due to limitations of space. The stories that do appear in this book are unabridged, exactly as Kipling originally published them.

London. Classic Press and Ottenhelmer publishers. 1968, 1979. 225p. UNSED BOOK CONTAINS MARK-UP

By Rudyard Kipling

FROM THE COVER: "Once upon a Time O Best Beloved," and so begins one of the best loved and most respected collections of stories for children, Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. This edition includes the author's own unique illustrations. Kipling's bold linear fantasies, in the style of art nouveau, as well as his attention to realistic detail, create an intriguing and strikingly different interpretation. The first tale, "How the Whale Got Its Throat," a tall tale of a big whale, sets the tone for these wild "venturesome adventures," to use Kipling's words. One glance at the table of contents will reveal that the Just So Stories appeal most to inquisitive and fantasy-loving minds. These are stories which tell us of the Time of Very Beginnings;…”

London. Crown Publishers.. 1978. Originally published 1937. 211p. USED BOOK

By Jorge Luis Borges

From the cover: ". unquestionably the most brilliant South American writing today. . .one of the genuine prose talents of our pe- riod. Written with a classical economy of means and under the control of a mind of wide culture and deep sensitivity, his stories will continue echoing in the minds of his readers as do those of Franz Kafka." -Herald Tribune Books

NY. Grove Press. 1962. 164p. USED BOOK. CONTAINS MARK-UP.

By Jorge Luis Borges. Edited by Donald A. Yates and James E. Irby

FROM THE PREFACE: Jorge Luis Borges is a great writer who has composed only little essays or short narratives. Yet they suffice for us to call him great because of their wonderful intelligence, their wealth of invention and their tight, almost mathematical, style. Argentine by birth and temperament, but nurtured on univer- sal literature, Borges has no spiritual homeland. He creates, outside time and space, imaginary and symbolic worlds. It is a sign of his importance that, in placing him, only strange and perfect works can be called to mind. He is akin to Kafka, Poe, sometimes to Henry James and Wells, always to Valéry by the abrupt projection of his paradoxes in what has been called 'his private metaphysics'.

London. Penguin. 1964. 276p. USED BOOK. CONTAINS MARK-UP

By Franz Kafka. Translated by David Wyllie

From Wikipedia: The Trial (German: Der Process,[1] previously Der Proceß, Der Prozeß and Der Prozess) is a novel written by Franz Kafka in 1914 and 1915 and published posthumously on 26 April 1925. One of his best known works, it tells the story of Josef K., a man arrested and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority, with the nature of his crime revealed neither to him nor to the reader. Heavily influenced by Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, Kafka even went so far as to call Dostoevsky a blood relative.[2] Like Kafka's two other novels, The Castleand Amerika, The Trial was never completed, although it does include a chapter which appears to bring the story to an intentionally abrupt ending.

After Kafka's death in 1924 his friend and literary executor Max Brod edited the text for publication by Verlag Die Schmiede. The original manuscript is held at the Museum of Modern Literature, Marbach am Neckar, Germany. The first English-language translation, by Willa and Edwin Muir, was published in 1937.[3] In 1999, the book was listed in Le Monde's 100 Books of the Century and as No. 2 of the Best German Novels of the Twentieth Century.

Berlin. Verlag Die Schmiede. 1925. 213p. CONTAINS MARK-UP

By Franz Kafka. Translated by David Wyllie

From Wikipedia: Metamorphosis (German: Die Verwandlung) is a novella written by Franz Kafka which was first published in 1915. One of Kafka's best-known works, Metamorphosis tells the story of salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself inexplicably transformed into a huge insect (German: ungeheueres Ungeziefer, lit. "monstrousvermin") and subsequently struggles to adjust to this new condition. The novella has been widely discussed among literary critics, with differing interpretations being offered. In popular culture and adaptations of the novella, the insect is commonly depicted as a cockroach.

With a length of about 70 printed pages over three chapters, it is the longest of the stories Kafka considered complete and published during his lifetime. The text was first published in 1915 in the October issue of the journal Die weißen Blätter under the editorship of René Schickele. The first edition in book form appeared in December 1915 in the series Der jüngste Tag, edited by Kurt Wolff.[1]

Leipzig. Kurt Wolff Verlag . 1915. 49p. CONTAINS MARK-UP