Briefwechsel mit seinen 'Kindern' II

The second part of the correspondence between Karl May and his five young admirers – Marie and Ferdinand Hannes, Lu Fritsch, Willy Einsle, and Adolf Droop – is now available. It includes the correspondence from the years 1910 to 1912 and an appendix of over 50 pages featuring essays, notes, and poems by the May disciples, referred to as "his children," about the life and work of the revered author. Here, the commitment of the May enthusiasts against the public vilification and exposure of their great idol unfolds in full. At the same time, initial fractures become evident, and the perspective of the five becomes more critical and skeptical. As the initially very childlike enthusiasm gradually transforms into more nuanced views of young – all highly educated and reflective – adults, the relationship becomes more complicated, despite their unwavering love for the "Mayster." It becomes clear to today's observer that May often behaved clumsily in public disputes regarding his work and persona (both legally and publicly). However, the author, worn down by the feuds, found it difficult to endure being pointed out by his "children," leading him to appear somewhat "annoyed," as we would say today, rather than delighted by some of their well-meaning efforts. The book includes 54 black-and-white illustrations.