Karl Friedrich May  was the best selling German writer of all time, noted chiefly for wild west books set in the American West and similar books set in the Orient and Middle East; in addition, he also wrote stories set in his native Germany. China and South America also became the objects of his stories. Karl May also wrote poetry, and several plays. His autobiography is important for any serious study of his life. May also composed music, being very proficient with several musical instruments. Karl May's musical version of "Ave Maria" became very well known.