Private Library of Franz Kafka

Since 2002, the Franz Kafka Society owns a so-called replica of Kafka's private library. It represents a unique period collection of books, annuals and periodicals that were owned, just read, studied or followed (the periodicals) - as it was proved by the references in the letters or diaries - by Franz Kafka. The Franz Kafka Society received this library as a gift from the German company of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche, AG. In the room, where the library is deposited, is installed a replica of Kafka's desk, and proposals arisen from art competition to the Franz Kafka Monument in Prague.

In Kafka's Library

Kafka's library contains the books of Kafka's contemporaries; many of them were his friends - Max Brod, Oskar Baum, Ernst Weiss, Felix Weltsch, Willy Haas, Franz Werfel. Furthermore there is the edition of German classics (Goethe, Grillparzer, Hebel, Kleist, Schiller etc.), whether Kafka preferred them due to his own interest, or his study duties. In regard of the Czech authors, the library contains translated works of Bezruč, Březina and Šrámek; the Grandmother by Božena Němcová in the Czech original. Otherwise it contains the German translation of world literature, such as the works by Dickens, Dostojevskij, Flaubert, Kierkegaard, Hamsun, and Strindberg. Among the period German translation we can find the books that give evidence of Kafka's interests and preferences - plenty of memoir literature (Goethe, Grillparzer, Napoleon, etc.); the whole editions of travelogues and reports about expeditions to exotic countries; medical literature; manuals to physical exercises, etc. There is also a big collection of philosophical (Kierkegaard, Platon) and historical works, as well as the books with religious theme that Kafka dealt with especially in his later life period. To the most valuable parts of this collection belong very rare editions of Kafka's works that were published in the books and journals during his life, or were published by Max Brod from inheritance regardless of Kafka's wish to destroy everything.

After processing of the collection from the so-called Kafka's library, the Franz Kafka Society endeavors now its usage and declassification. Based on the fact that due to unfavorable historic events none Kafka's manuscripts or other material relics remained in Prague, many groups of Czech or foreign people who would like to get more familiar with Kafka's life and work. For them there is organized a brief lesson with lecturer (according to the need in Czech, German, or English). Besides the visits of often very important persons from public and culture life, publicists and journalists, who we deal with individually, we also keep regime for attendance study purposes - the researchers and students can come without prior booking every Tuesday from 11.00 till 16.00.


The visit with the lesson should be booked at least 10 days by phone or e-mail.

Tel.: +420-224-227-452, e-mail: mail@franzkafka-soc.cz

The Franz Kafka Library can be visited also during the program IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANZ KAFKA (see menu at the right).