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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: In the Shadow of Kafka

The Essay: In the Shadow of Kafka: Episode 3: Waving or Drowning: Kafka and Meaning

In the Shadow of Kafka

Episode 3

Episode 3: Waving or Drowning: Kafka and Meaning

Waving or Drowning: Kafka and Meaning

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, In the Shadow of Kafka, Waving or Drowning: Kafka and Meaning

Karen Leeder explores Franz Kafka's very modern use of messengers and messages.

German literature expert Karen Leeder explores Franz Kafka's very modern use of messengers and messages, analysing how process is at the heart of his books.

Franz Kafka means many things to many people. Five leading writers explore the breadth of his thinking, his world and how his work still resonates for them.

Part of In the Shadow of Kafka, Radio 3's series highlighting the work and influence of Franz Kafka.


3. Waving or Drowning: Kafka and Meaning - Karen Leeder

Kafka's work is full of messengers and messages. Leeder examines the significance and interpretation of communication in Kafka, delving into meaning, a key debate around his work. She argues that it is not so much the meaning as the very act of purveying a message itself that is Kafka's aim.

Karen Leeder is a prize winning translator and Professor of Modern German Literature at New College, Oxford. 


Producer, Polly Thomas
A Somethin Else production for BBC Radio 3.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Leading writers explore the breadth of Czech author Franz Kafka's thinking

Series in which leading writers explore the breadth of Czech author Franz Kafka's thinking, his world and how his writing still resonates for them

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In the Shadow of Kafka

Episode 3: Waving or Drowning: Kafka and Meaning

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