MS 210 - Karl May and European Materials on the American West, 1963,1987-2000 | McCracken Research Library

This collection represents German perceptions of the American West and relationships between Euro-Americans and American Indians. The collection includes catalogs, newsletters, programs and pamphlets, postcards, books, an audiocassette, video tapes, and various artifacts that date from 1963, 1987-2000. Most of the materials are in German. The condition of this collection is excellent. Total volume represents five boxes (2.5 c.f.) and 1 large poster folder.

May, Karl

Karl May (1842 - 1912) ws a German writer who wrote popular novels set in the American West and the Orient.  May's first book on the American west was published in 1879 for young German readers.  With over 100 million copies sold in German, adventures of his western heroes, Winnetou and Old Shatterhand, are well kown to the German public.  May's novels have been translated into 33 languages.  Karl May's work continues to be of interest to Germans and other Europeans, as well as their interest in the American West and Native American Indians.  The Karl-May-Museum in Radebeul, Germany houses ethnological exhibits of the Indians of North America.  The Karl-May-Spiele and/or Karl May Fessttage are annual events.  The Karl-May-Magazine is currently published periodically.  Films of Karl May's western novels were produced in the 1960s.  Videos are avialable of some of these films.  A 1997 video production was made of Karl May's life and work.  For further information on Karl May, see the Karl May Museum web site at

http://www.karl-may-stiftung.de/museum/engl/may.html