Karl May

Karl May (1842–1912) was a German writer best known for his adventure novels set in the American Old West. His most famous works include the characters Winnetou and Old Shatterhand. May's books have been translated into many languages and have inspired numerous films, stage adaptations, and even comic books. Despite controversies surrounding his work and questions about its authenticity, May remains one of the most popular authors in German literature.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Winnetou

    The book is a tale of the American Wild West, where the protagonist, a German immigrant and greenhorn, embarks on a life-changing adventure. He forms an unlikely friendship with a noble Native American chief, Winnetou, and together they navigate the perils of the frontier. Their bond transcends cultural barriers and they fight side by side against various enemies, including unscrupulous treasure hunters and hostile tribes. Through their adventures, the protagonist matures into a skilled frontiersman, embodying the ideals of courage, honor, and respect for the natural world and its indigenous peoples.

    The 1290th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Winnetou

    This classic adventure novel is set in the American Wild West, where the main character, a German immigrant, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and friendship. He forms an unlikely bond with Winnetou, a noble Apache chief, as they navigate the challenges and conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes. Through their adventures, the story explores themes of cultural understanding, respect, and the deep ties of brotherhood. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of the landscape and insightful portrayals of the diverse characters, making it a captivating exploration of the American frontier and the complexities of its historical conflicts.

    The 5435th Greatest Book of All Time