May's writing has shaped a European vision of the post-Civil War American West--one uniquely Teutonized by his prolific pen. Interestingly enough, May did not visit the United States until late in life, in 1908--long after his most popular western stories were published.

In the WSU Press edition, David Koblick's excellent translation and abridgment puts the best known novel by Karl May into the hands of an English speaking audience. In addition, an introduction by Koblick and an insightful foreword by Richard H. Cracroft of Brigham Young University provide cultural and historical perspectives on the Karl May phenomenon.