An engineer named Prokop discovers a terrifying new explosive: one that releases the energy stored in matter itself. Though dazed by his discovery, Prokop immediately sees the dangers that this explosive will bring; but as others become aware of his discovery, they instead see a rare opportunity.

Part science fiction, part romance, and part satire, Prokop’s ensuing adventures are full of symbolism and surreal dreamlike encounters. Through Prokop, Čapek explores the relation of science to truth, and the moral responsibilities of scientists.

Though it was written in the 1920s, the explosive described in Krakatit can easily be reimagined as the atomic bomb. Shorty after World War II a Czech film adaptation was released which captured the anxiety created by such a real life weapon of mass destruction.