The Metamorphosis

The strange, captivating story of transformation and despair. This renowned twentieth-century German literary classic is now published in a new translation by Shaun Whiteside.

Gregor Samsa, a dedicated and hard-working travelling salesman, awakes one morning to a horrific realization. He finds himself changed beyond recognition. Insect-like, enormous and completely disorientated, he cowers in his bedroom, desperate to escape this nightmare.

Gregor’s cruel boss and his family are appalled. Formerly the only breadwinner, Gregor is shut in his room and is all but abandoned by his household, with only his sister bothering to bring him scraps of food. As days turn into months, tensions rise in the house; and eventually Gregor’s family abandon him completely, leaving him to fend for himself.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of stunning, pocket-sized classics, bound in cloth with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition of The Metamorphosis includes an introduction by academic Karolina Watroba.

Read a sample here