Kafka, Franz: - Franz Kafka, born in 1883 in Prague, was a Czech writer known for his surreal and existential storytelling. His most famous works, like "The Metamorphosis" and "The Trial," explore themes of alienation and the absurdity of modern life. Despite publishing only a few pieces during his lifetime, Kafka's precise prose and profound insights into the human condition have made him a cornerstone of 20th-century literature. After his death in 1924, his friend Max Brod defied Kafka's wishes to destroy his unpublished works, ensuring his lasting influence on literature and philosophy.