Author
Karl May
1842-1912
Karl May (1842-1912) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Karl May
My Life and My Efforts
"My Life and My Efforts" by Karl May is an autobiography written in the early 20th century. This work reflects on the author’s tumultuous life experiences, focusing on themes of personal struggle, redemption, and the quest for truth. It provides insights into May’s formative years, including his relationships and the social context of his upbringing. At the start of the autobiography, Karl May introduces readers to his philosophical perspective through an allegorical tale about the lands of Ardistan and Jinnistan, representing selfishness and virtue, respectively. He recounts his childhood experiences growing up in poverty, detailing the hardships faced by his family and the complicated dynamics with his parents, particularly his father's violent temper. The narrative shifts between reflective commentary and personal anecdotes, illustrating May's growth and the influence of his grandmother, a significant figure in his early life who shaped his understanding of love and morality. The opening portion highlights May’s introspective nature, as he grapples with the difficult truths of his past while striving for a greater understanding of his identity and purpose.
Durch Wüste und Harem Gesammelte Reiseromane, Band I
"Durch Wüste und Harem" by Karl May is a travel novel written in the late 19th century. The book presents a thrilling adventure set in the North African desert where the protagonist, accompanied by his devoted servant Halef Omar, embarks on a journey that is rich in exploration and cultural encounters. As they traverse the harsh landscapes, they encounter thrilling events, including murder and a quest for justice, which sets the stage for the unfolding narrative. The opening of this work introduces us to the lead character and his companion as they traverse the desert. The story begins with a tense dialogue between the protagonist and Halef, who is passionate about converting him to Islam. Their journey quickly takes a dark turn when they discover a murdered man, prompting a pursuit of the killers. As they navigate the challenges of the desert, they grapple with moral and existential questions sparked by their encounters, illustrating the underlying themes of faith and integrity in the face of danger. The initial chapters establish a gripping setting and dynamic characters, promising an engaging adventure ahead.
Mein Leben und Streben
"Mein Leben und Streben" by Karl May is an autobiography published in December 1910. Written amid numerous lawsuits against him, May crafted this work not as a peaceful reflection on his life, but as a strategic defense document to convince lawyers, courts, and readers of his reputation. The book candidly addresses his past, including prison sentences his opponents used against him. Its controversial final chapters naming his adversaries led to immediate legal suppression, followed by posthumous revisions and ongoing legal battles over its publication.
Door het land der Skipetaren
"Door het land der Skipetaren" by Karl May is a novel published in 1892. This adventure follows Kara Ben Nemsi and his companions as they pursue four escaped criminals through the Turkish Empire. The relentless chase leads them through dangerous encounters with notorious bandits, deadly traps, and wild beasts. As they decipher cryptic clues and survive repeated ambushes, the hunters become the hunted in a high-stakes game of survival across treacherous terrain toward the Adriatic Sea.
Durchs wilde Kurdistan
"Durchs wilde Kurdistan" by Karl May is an adventure novel written in the late 19th century. Set among Kurdish tribes and the Yazidi community, it follows a European narrator known as the Emir and his loyal companion Hadschi Halef Omar as they navigate religious rites, tribal politics, and looming conflict with Ottoman forces. The story blends travel, intrigue, and tactically clever confrontations in a rugged, mountainous setting. The opening of the novel places the protagonists in the sacred valley of Sheikh Adi during a great Yazidi festival, vividly describing torchlit rites, music, and a symbolic rooster ceremony while tensions rise over an impending Ottoman assault. The Emir scouts mysterious lights, discovers an Ottoman mountain-artillery detachment, and—using deception and swift riders—captures the gunners and their four pieces without bloodshed, then has Yazidi cannoneers don Turkish uniforms to bait the enemy. As Ottoman troops under Miralai Omar Amed enter the valley, they are hit by their own reclaimed guns; the Emir briefly confronts the furious commander, brandishing imperial travel permits to avoid arrest, and narrowly dodges a shot. Parallel threads include Ali Bey’s disciplined preparations, the hidden evacuation to Idiz, Pir Kamek’s ominous talk of sacrifice, and the comic bravado of Buluk Emini Ifra, ending with the battle about to intensify.
Abu-Seif : $b Äventyrsroman från Röda Havet och Mekka
"Abu-Seif: Äventyrsroman från Röda Havet och Mekka" by Karl May is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the experiences of the central character, Kara Ben Nemsi, as he navigates through the exotic and perilous landscapes of the Red Sea and the holy city of Mecca, encountering various characters and dilemmas along the way. The opening of the novel establishes an atmosphere steeped in biblical references and historical reflections. The protagonist, while riding through a valley, recalls the parting of the Red Sea and expresses a deep sense of reverence for the sacred lands he traverses. Invoking thoughts of Moses and the Israelites, he interacts with local Bedouins, one of whom warns him against a nearby water body rumored to contain the "angel of death." As he journeys further, he encounters the captain of a Turkish ship, navigating a complex web of cultural perceptions and potential dangers, hinting at the themes of conflict, adventure, and the clash of beliefs that will unfold in the narrative.
De schat in het Zilvermeer
"De schat in het Zilvermeer" by Karl May is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story is set on a riverboat, the "Dogfish," navigating through Arkansas, and introduces a cast of characters engaged in various interactions and conflicts, hinting at adventure and encounters that are common in the author's works. The opening of the book presents a vivid scene aboard the riverboat, where passengers are seeking shade and engaging in games of chance, notably a group of rough men who form a sense of camaraderie around gambling. Among them is a character referred to as "kornel," who seems to be a figure of authority or importance within this group. Two other notable characters, a mysterious giant and an Indian father-son duo, are introduced as potential oppositional forces. Tensions escalate when the "kornel" confronts these newcomers and a series of events, including the presence of a wild black panther, promise further conflict and adventure as the story unfolds. The dynamics among the characters set the stage for themes of danger and camaraderie, common in May's engaging storytelling.
Erämaan henki : $b Seikkailu Suuressa Lännessä
"Erämaan henki: Seikkailu Suuressa Lännessä" by Karl May is a novel written in the early 20th century. The storyline unfolds in the wild landscapes of the American West and focuses on the adventures of two main characters: a white man named Rankko and the African American man Veijo as they journey towards a place called Helmiaho. The narrative highlights themes of friendship, cultural encounters, and the challenges of survival in a rugged environment. At the start of the novel, two riders, Rankko and Veijo, are depicted as they travel along a riverbank, discussing their unfavorable surroundings. They encounter a young, well-armed man named Veri-Repo, who introduces himself with a mysterious past. The dialogue reveals the characters' backgrounds and intentions, with tension building around the dangers of the wilderness. Their mission is to reach Helmiaho, where they hope to find refuge and perhaps information about a tragedy that occurred in their past. The opening sets the stage for a rich adventure filled with diverse characters and the complexities of life in the untamed West.
Travel Tales in the Promised Land (Palestine)
"Travel Tales in the Promised Land (Palestine)" by Karl May is a narrative travelogue written in the early 20th century. The text recounts the adventures and encounters of the protagonist, who journeys through Palestine, focusing particularly on his relationships with local residents, including the merchant Mustafa Bustani and his son Thar. The narrative likely explores themes of friendship, cultural exchange, and the layers of inter-religious dynamics in a historical context. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the protagonist, who has a close friendship with the merchant Mustafa Bustani. The opening scene highlights the bond between them as they discuss personal matters and their families, shedding light on the cultural complexities of life in the Promised Land. Mustafa's son, Thar, is depicted as a lively and imaginative child, often engaging in fanciful play and heroics. This introduction sets the stage for an exploration of the rich tapestry of life in Palestine, characterized by humor, gravity, and the deep interpersonal connections that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.
Winnetou : $b Het opperhoofd der Apachen
"Winnetou: Het opperhoofd der Apachen" by Karl May is a novel published in 1893. A German immigrant called Old Shatterhand joins a surveying expedition in the American West, where he encounters the Apache chief Intshu tshuna and his son Winnetou. Initial hostilities escalate into warfare, capture, and a fight to the death. Through courage and honor, bitter enemies transform into blood brothers. But tragedy strikes when ruthless outlaws attack Winnetou's family, setting the stage for a vengeful pursuit across the prairie.