Stanley Corngold is a literary critic and scholar who has written extensively on Kafka and his works. Corngold has published several essays and books on Kafka, including "The Metamorphosis: Franz Kafka" (a translation and commentary) and "Franz Kafka: The Making of an Influence". Corngold's work provides in-depth analysis and insights into Kafka's writing, exploring the cultural, historical, and literary contexts of his works.

Corngold's introduction and annotations offer a rich interpretation of The Metamorphosis , exploring themes such as:

Corngold's translation is notable for its attention to Kafka's use of language, which is characterized by simplicity, clarity, and a touch of irony. Corngold preserves Kafka's distinctive narrative voice, which is both direct and elusive, drawing the reader into the Samsa family's bizarre and disintegrating world. The translation also highlights Kafka's use of symbolism, particularly in the depiction of Gregor's transformation, which serves as a metaphor for the alienation and disorientation of modern life.

Often contains excerpts from Kafka’s personal letters and diaries , showing how his own life influenced Gregor Samsa's alienation.