Franz Kafka was a Czech writer born on July 3, 1883, in Prague. He is best known for his unique style of writing, which often explores themes of alienation, existential anxiety, and the absurdity of life. His most famous works include The Metamorphosis, where a man transforms into a giant insect, and The Trial, which depicts a man caught in a mysterious legal system. Kafka's writing was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, and he published only a few short stories and novels. After his death on June 3, 1924, his friend Max Brod ignored Kafka's wishes to destroy his unpublished manuscripts, leading to the posthumous publication of many of his works, which have since gained significant acclaim.