ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Karel Čapek's 'War with the Newts' Reissued in New Translation at Czech Republic Book Fair

publication · 2026-09-29

A fresh translation of Karel Čapek's renowned novel "Der Krieg mit den Molchen" (War with the Newts) has been unveiled, aligning with the Czech Republic's status as the guest nation at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Lauded as exceptional, this translation showcases Čapek's work as both an entertaining read and a cautionary tale. The satirical science fiction narrative delves into themes of exploitation and the dynamics between humanity and other species. This edition seeks to rekindle interest in Čapek's insightful foresight. As the literary community converges at the Buchmesse, this classic from the Czech Republic emerges as a vital contribution, highlighting the persistent relevance of Čapek's critique of totalitarianism and colonialism. The translation is anticipated to engage both scholars and casual readers alike.

Key facts

  • Karel Čapek's 'Der Krieg mit den Molchen' is a classic of Czech literature.
  • A new translation of the novel has been published.
  • The Czech Republic is the guest country at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
  • The translation is described as brilliant.
  • The novel is a warning and a great source of enjoyment.
  • The book is a must-read for those interested in Czech literature.
  • The novel's themes include exploitation and human arrogance.
  • The publication coincides with the Buchmesse.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Frankfurt Book Fair
  • Buchmesse

Locations

  • Czech Republic
  • Frankfurt
  • Germany

Sources