The Trial: A New Translation Based on the Restored Text

A brilliant translation of one of the most important novels of the twentieth century, revealing a tale that is as full of energy and power as it was when it was first written. From the author of The Metamorphosis.

Written in 1914, The Trial is the terrifying tale of Josef K., a respectable bank officer who is suddenly and inexplicably arrested and must defend himself against a charge about which he can get no information. Whether read as an existential tale, a parable, or a prophecy of the excesses of modern bureaucracy wedded to the madness of totalitarianism, Kafka's nightmare has resonated with chilling truth for generations of readers. This new edition is based upon the work of an international team of experts who have restored the text, the sequence of chapters, and their division to create a version that is as close as possible to the way the author left it.

BUY THE BOOK

Published May 25, 1999

304 pages

Average rating: 7.73

11 RATINGS

|

Join a book club that is reading The Trial: A New Translation Based on the Restored Text!

DEEPER READING

Improve your understanding of texts using a simple 6 step analysing tool. Hosted by me, a former university lecturer in narrratolgy, now author.

Community Reviews

Aravind Anilkumar
Dec 10, 2025
8/10 stars
A beautifully scripted satire on the whole world of crime, punishment and justice.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.