Franz Kafka is widely recognized as one of the great writers of the 20th century. Associated with expressionism and existentialism, his literary creations managed to encompass themes as complex as the condition of contemporary man, anguish, guilt, bureaucracy, frustration, and loneliness, among others. In this volume of Essential Kafka, the reader has access to two important works to better understand the talent and life of this extraordinary writer: "Letter to His Father" is an intimate and profound text that takes us into Kafka's very heart and many of the reasons and inspirations for his work. It is essential for anyone who wants to understand Kafka's work better and, in general, the life of the writer. The short story "A Hunger Artist" explores familiar themes in Kafka's poetic, such as death, isolation, art, asceticism, spiritual poverty, futility, or personal failure, all within a widespread corruption of human relationships. Nothing more Kafkaesque! These works offer a deep and thoughtful insight into Kafka's world and mind, inviting the reader to explore the darkest and most complex aspects of human existence.