a

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Eine kaiserliche Botschaft.”

b

Originally published in 1915 under the German title “Die Verwandlung.”

c

Long, narrow-bladed saw used to cut ornamental work from thin wood.

d

Originally published in 1913 under the German title “Das Urteil. Ein Geschi chte.”

e

Originally published in 1913 under the German title “Der Heizer. Ein Fragment”; the story eventually became the first chapter of Kafka’s novel Amerika.

f

Laborer employed to tend and fuel a furnace used to generate steam on a steamship.

g

Part or division of a ship that formerly contained the steering apparatus and is allotted to passengers who travel at the cheapest rate.

h

Officer on a ship who handles financial accounts.

i

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “In der Strafkolonie.”

j

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Ein Landarzt.”

k

Light, two-wheeled carriage.

l

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Ein altes Blatt.”

m

Glossy, black European birds belonging to the crow family that nest in towers and ruins.

n

Originally published in 1922 under the German title “Ein Hungerkünstler.”

o

Worsted, or twisted, fabric often used to make garments; the hunger artist’s wearing of tricot is certainly for an ascetic purpose.

p

Originally published in 1924 under the German title “Josefine, die Sängerin oder Das Volk der Mäuse.”

q

To purl is to flow with a murmuring sound.

r

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Vor dem Gesetz”; the parable is part of Kafka’s novel The Trial.

s

Donna Freed here refers to Kafka’s story “Wedding Preparations in the Country,” originally published in 1915 under the German title “Hochzeitsvorberei tungen auf dem Lande.”