"How high is the fever?"

Kafka, Franz, writer (1883-1924). Autograph letter signed ("K").

[Prague, fall 1922].

Large 8vo (145 x 229 mm). In German. 1½ pp. (30 lines in pencil on blue squared paper).

 45,000.00

To his friend Robert Klopstock, a medical student and fellow sufferer of tuberculosis: "Dear Robert, just a few words, the lady waits. From the report given by Miss Irene I was under the impression that the worst was over and that a hospital could therefore be ruled out. But if you feel that a hospital might be able to give you any ease, even the slightest, we could try it after all (service at your place is undoubtedly very poor), it would not be a supplication at all, I would approach my colleague and have him intercede quite proudly or, which might be even better, go to Prof. Münzer. So let me know. I have received a message today from Dr. Hermann, but a very brief and unclear one, mentioning a slight flu; I shall visit him tomorrow. How high is the fever? Indeed, I had already answered your letter when Miss Irene called here yesterday. The fever made the whole matter even less important than it had been already; the answer lies with me" (transl.).

Irene Bugsch, the daughter of Aladár (Alexander) Bugsch, one of the owners of the Matliary Sanitarium, belonged to Franz Kafka's circle of friends (which also included her sister Margarete and Robert Klopstock) during his half-year stay (18 December 1920 to ca. 26 August 1921) in the Tatra mountains. Then 26 years old, she applied at the Dresden Academy of Arts, an endeavor in which she received support from Kafka. The connection to Egmont Münzer (1865-1924), professor at the University of Prague since 1907, has been mediated through Kafka's cousin Robert (1881-1922), who was related to Münzer through his wife. Otto Hermann was one of the physicians whom Kafka consulted in Prague.

References

H. Wetscherek (ed.), Kafkas Letzter Freund. Der Nachlaß Robert Klopstock (Wien, Inlibris, 2003), no. 25. Published in part (omitting five lines) and with departures in M. Brod (ed.), Kafkas Briefe 1902-1924 (Frankfurt/M., S. Fischer, 1958), pp. 419f.

Stock Code: BN#54291 Tag: