Karl May was a German author born on February 25, 1842, in Ernstthal, Germany. He is best known for his adventure novels set in the American Wild West and the Orient, particularly featuring characters like Winnetou, a noble Apache chief, and Old Shatterhand, a German frontiersman. May's works were immensely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, selling millions of copies. Despite never having traveled to the American West, May's vivid imagination and storytelling captivated readers. His novels often explored themes of friendship, justice, and cultural understanding. Karl May passed away on March 30, 1912, but his legacy continues to influence literature and popular culture.