Karl May ​

Karl Friedrich May was a German writer best known for adventure novels set in the American Old West. His characters, like Winnetou and Old Shatterhand, have become iconic figures in popular culture. His work has been adapted into numerous films, television productions and comics over the years.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote one of the best-known German works of the 19th century, The Winnetou Trilogy.
• His books have been translated into more than 30 languages.
• Sold about 200 million copies worldwide.
• His works were adapted into numerous movies, radio dramas, and stage plays.
• A number of his works have been adapted for television and film in Europe.

Background ​

May was born in 1842 in the Kingdom of Saxony, which is now a part of Germany. He was the fifth child of a poor weaver family. In his early years, he faced significant hardships. He spent time in prison for fraud and theft. Once he was released, he started working as a private tutor and eventually became an editor at a publishing company. He began writing in his late twenties.

His first successful book, "Travel Stories", was published in 1875. His most famous characters include Old Shatterhand, a brave and noble hero of the American Wild West, and Kara Ben Nemsi who traveled throughout the Near East. May's books, particularly the ones set in the American Old West, became extremely popular in his home country of Germany. His tales continue to be widely read and loved today, inspiring many adaptations in various media. He passed away in 1912.

Writing Style and Impact ​

May's writing style is marked by detailed descriptions, layered narratives, and a strong sense of location. His work primarily focuses on Westerns and adventure novels, often set in exotic locations. Despite some of his works being criticized for romanticizing colonialism, his contributions to the genre have been indispensable, and his work has been a significant influence on the Western genre in literature.

Notable Works ​

• Winnetou I-IV (1893)
• The Oil Prince (1894)
• The Inca's Legacy (1894)
• The Son of the Bear Hunter (1890)
• The Treasure of Silver Lake (1891)