Schocken Books records on Franz Kafka, 1940-1977

Collection context

Creator:
Schocken Books
Extent:
1 linear feet (2 boxes)
Language:
English , German .
Scope and content:

Correspondence, memoranda, photoreproductions of manuscript excerpts by Kafka, publicity files, production records, and printed materials for the works of the Austrian author, Franz Kafka, in German and English translations, 1940-1977. These extant files were set aside by David Rome, the former president of Schocken Books, after the firm was purchased by Pantheon Books, a division of Random House, several years ago. The files consist mainly of production files for the first American editions of THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA (1946), LETTERS TO MILENA (1948), ERZAHLUNGEN UND KLEINE PROSA (1957), and FRANZ KAFKA: BRIEFE (l958). Also included is a publicity file aimed at American Jewish organizations and college and university German departments promoting SAMLICHE WERKE edited by Max Brod as well as his biography of Kafka, and a marked master galley proof for PARABLES AND PARADOXES (1958). Also included are photocopies and mimeograph copies of playscripts based on Kafka's DIARY and METAMORPHOSES and a script by Michael McClure, JOSEPHINE, based on a character of the same name in Kafka's story, THE MOUSE FOLK. There is correspondence with Professor Heinz Pollitzer concerning the promotion of publishing Kafka's writings in the early 1960s. The printed materials are chiefly book reviews of Kafka's publications and some scholarly articles on Kafka.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Schocken Books records on Franz Kafka; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu