The original author of The Trial, Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was a major fiction writer of the early 20th century. He was born in Prague, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). Most of his work, including The Trial, was published after his death. He is considered to be among the most influential writers in Western literature. // David Zane Mairowitz is an author, playwright, radio director and translator. A professional freelance writer for 40 years, he has published numerous books, including the successful Introducing Kafka (with Robert Crumb), Introducing Camus, and Wilhelm Reich for Beginners. His theatrical plays include a critically acclaimed version of Kafka's The Trial. His articles have appeared in Harper's, Vogue, Plays and Players, The Village Voice, The Progressive and The Sunday Times. His short stories have appeared in literary magazines, including Partisan Review, New Directions and the prestigious Penguin Modern Stories. For the past 25 years he has produced radio dramas and documentaries for the BBC and in over 20 European countries, winning numerous international radio prizes. // Chantal Montellier is one of Frances's leading bande dessinée artists. A painter and teacher who abandoned her career in the 'Beaux Arts' to become a cartoonist and illustrator, Chantal's work has appeared in a range of leading French newspapers and magazines including Le Monde, L'Humanité, France Nouvelle, L'Unite. She has written very successful graphic novels, most recently Tchernobyl, Mon Amour and Sorcières Mes Soeurs (Actes Sud). She takes pride in her capacity to challenge people, and some of her work is very explicit. Her exhibitions include shows at the Beaubourg (Paris), and a retrospective at the Centre National de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image, Angoulême. Her work has been featured on national and international radio and television.