Metamorphosis

A beautiful jacketed hardback edition of Franz Kafka's classic novel, Metamorphosis, with brand-new, full-colour illustrations by Gaby Verdooren.

A masterful mix of horror and absurdity which tells the story of travelling salesman Samsa, who wakes up one day to find out he has turned into a giant insect. Kafka's novella has been adapted for film and television a number of times, most recently for radio when BBC's Radio broadcast the story, read by Benedict Cumberbatch, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its first publication.

This beautifully illustrated collector's edition features the complete text, with an original Arcturus translation by Will Aaltonen Pearson and specially-commissioned illustrations by Gaby Verdooren Whether you're approaching Metamorphosis for the first time, or want to experience it afresh with new illustrations, this collectible edition is perfect for any lover of classic literature.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Illustrated Classics series brings together handsome hardcover editions of classic works, beautifully presented with full-colour, specially-commissioned illustrations, patterned endpapers and dust jackets.

About the Author

Born in Prague into a Jewish family, Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century - his name has become a byword for alienation and guilt - and his work is both harrowing and humorous, featuring individuals caught up in an impersonal and bureaucratic world over which they have increasingly little power.

Gaby Verdooren studied illustration at Parsons School of Design in New York and graduated in 2021. Gaby's work showcases the nostalgia of childhood and the mystique of the natural world. She draws from autumnal colour palettes, vintage fantasy aesthetics, and the occult. Her works have found their home within her self spun folk tales, characters, and unseen realms.

Will Aaltonen Pearson (translator) won a scholarship to Ruskin Workers' College, Oxford, and from there went on to study French and German at Oriel College. He has been a writer for the best part of thirty years, working in television, newspapers, magazines and books. As 'Will Pearson', he has ghost-written several top ten best-sellers, and published other, non-fiction books on a wide range of subjects. His translations include Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis and Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha, both for Arcturus Publishing.