Czech journalist Judita Matyášová and photographer Jan Jindra present Kafka as a curious traveller through Europe who was fascinated by modern technology, enjoyed sport and was interested in a healthy lifestyle. The book „S Kafkou na cestách“ (Travelling with Kafka) has been published by Labyrint and will be presented for the first time on 25 May at 6 pm at the Svět knihy international book fair in Prague. The authors invite you to the book launch, which will take place on 28 May at 6 pm in the Franz Kafka bookshop in Prague.
Aeroplanes and vegetarianism
The new book is part of the Cesty Franze Kafky (Franz Kafka's Travels) project, which was launched by photographer Jan Jindra and journalist Judita Matyášová in 2003. The aim of the project was to map dozens of places in Europe where Kafka spent his holidays or travelled on business. The authors documented places in the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France. Readers of the new publication will find out why Kafka admired aeroplanes in Italy, what fascinated him about the Paris metro, why he was a convinced vegetarian and where he visited supporters of naturism in Germany.
A curious traveller
„Over the course of 21 years, we have documented dozens of places throughout Europe that Franz Kafka mentioned in his diaries or letters. Little by little, we have built up a picture of an inquisitive traveller who had many different interests. Did you know that Kafka enjoyed swimming and rowing? Did you know where he rode his motorbike and where he learned the basics of gardening? Our book contains 70 photographs of authentic Kafkaesque places, complemented by texts. The new publication is intended to encourage readers to follow in the footsteps of the famous writer in the Czech Republic or abroad. We believe that our project will contribute to changing the image of Franz Kafka as a man who was only interested in literature,“ says Judita Matyášová, co-author of the publication published by Labyrint. The book can be purchased in regular bookshops, e.g. here.
Presentation of the new book
The authors of the new publication „S Kafkou na cestách“ (Travelling with Kafka) will present it for the first time on 25 May at 6 pm at the International Book Fair in Prague. The book launch will take place on 28 May at 6 pm in the Franz Kafka bookshop at Široká 65/14 in Prague. The book's godmother is the actress Tereza Hof, who commented on the book as follows: „The heroes of Kafka's novels seem to me to be personifications of their own place, animated fluids caught by the spirit of places, which often have claws. I am delighted that a book has been created in whose trail, following in his footsteps, I can walk and relive the paths of inspiration and foreboding of his literary fantasies.“
Further events to mark the release of the new publication:
30. may
Lecture and author reading at kavárna Řehoř Samsa in Prague. Start at 6 pm.
5. june
Lecture and reading at Městska knihovna - pobočka Petřiny in Prague. Start at 7 pm.
6. june
Lecture and reading at Městska knihovna na Mariánském náměstí in Prague. Start at 7 pm.
5. june
Exhibition ‘Franz Kafka's Travels’ at Krajská knihovna Františka Bartoše ve Zlíně. The exhibition will be on display until 16 July.
8. june
Book presentation as part of Knihex - Karlínská kasárna festival in Prague. Begins at 3 pm.
21. june
Book presentation at Knižní lázně in Mariánské Lázně.
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