Karl May

Karl May (1842–1912) was a prolific German author best known for his adventure novels set in the American West and the Orient. Although many of his stories are fictional, they vividly portray themes of heroism, friendship, and cultural understanding. Notably, he created iconic characters like Old Shatterhand and Winnetou, which became symbols of friendship between Europeans and Native Americans. Despite initially lacking direct experience with the landscapes and cultures he depicted, May's engaging storytelling and detailed descriptions captivated readers, making him one of the most popular and best-selling authors in German literature.