Ken Krimstein's New Book on Einstein and Kafka

In 1911, two iconic figures of the 20th century, Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka, mingled within the vibrant intellectual circles of Prague. This intriguing historical connection serves as the foundation for Ken Krimstein’s latest graphic novel, *Einstein in Kafkaland: How Albert Fell Down the Rabbit Hole and Came Up with the Universe*, recently published by Bloomsbury. Krimstein, who transitioned from journalism to cartooning, was inspired by the idea of these two luminaries interacting during a pivotal time in their lives. Krimstein's fascination with the relationship between Einstein and Kafka led him to conduct extensive research, revealing how their shared environment influenced their groundbreaking work. At the time, Einstein was grappling with criticism of his theory of relativity, which struggled to incorporate the concept of gravity. The dynamic atmosphere of Prague's café society, filled with young Jewish intellectuals, provided a fertile ground for Einstein's eventual breakthroughs in understanding the universe. The graphic novel employs a whimsical cartooning style reminiscent of artists like Jules Feiffer, while also drawing inspiration from the works of Archie, EC Comics, and Kafka himself. Krimstein aims to make complex scientific ideas accessible, using humor and creativity to engage readers. He hopes that audiences will not only appreciate Einstein's genius but also recognize his multifaceted personality and the historical context that shaped his revolutionary ideas. Krimstein envisions *Einstein in Kafkaland* appealing to a broad audience, similar to the success of the musical *Hamilton*, which also highlights the struggles and triumphs of historical figures. Through this work, he seeks to illuminate the rich tapestry of ideas and relationships that defined a transformative era in both science and art.