First published in 1949, Kafka: His Mind and Art begins with an extended analysis of the Kafka literature, with emphasis on its shortcomings and their effect on Kafka’s vogue. Chapter two presents in broad terms a new aspect of Kafka which after the biographical chapter, chapter three, is studied in detail for the next two chapters. Up to this point the treatment does not presuppose a special key, but in chapters six and seven the secret key is discussed. To avoid confusion and unnecessary complications, the discussion of the key and its implications is delayed until more traditional ground has been covered.
The author argues that it is appropriate to indicate only that the expressionist movement was not solely religious, that it arose from a dissatisfaction with a stagnant, spiritless society as well as with current modes in art and literature, and that Kafka avoided identifying himself- at least in his work- with any of the three or four factions of the movement. This is an important historical document for students of literature.