A Man of His & Our Time
Kafka is surrounded by many myths based on the idea that he was a brooding recluse who, apart from the office job he hated, devoted himself exclusively to writing. In reality, Franz was a sociable man of many interests, who did not shy away from sport.
He liked to go to the cinema in Prague and enjoyed all the novelties from the world of technology. He was an avid traveller who enjoyed exploring new countries from the water – he was a keen swimmer and a rowing club member. In the mornings, he would exercise by the open window, and when he felt his hands were too physically inactive, he would volunteer to help out in the garden shop.
Even one hundred years ago, a healthy lifestyle was in vogue, and Franz was completely caught up in it. He enjoyed visiting spas and sanatoriums to test the effects of new treatments. He did not smoke or drink alcohol, tea and coffee. He was also a sworn vegetarian.
In his book on Kafka, Max Brod recalls a scene in a Berlin aquarium where Franz looked at the fish through the glass and said:
I can look at you with peace of mind now that I no longer eat you.
Concept and text: Radek Malý
Illustrations: Renáta Fučíková
Graphic design: HMS design
Project Manager, CC: Adriana Krásová
