Friedhelm Schneidewind, born in Baumholder in 1958, studied biology and computer science for several semesters in Saarbruecken, where he ran a print shop and a publishing house; he has been working in education and professional development for about 30 years. As a freelance lecturer, musician, journalist, and author, he lives in Mannheim, where he trains works council members and representatives for employees with severe disabilities, and teaches creativity and writing techniques.
Since 1989, he has published works on mythology and fantasy, including encyclopedias on Tolkien (most recently in 2021), Dragons (2008), and Harry Potter (2000), as well as scholarly books such as *Mythology and Fantastic Literature*, in addition to four novels, three songbooks, and a vampire play (1994). The “pioneer in fantasy research” (Neue Ruhr/Neue Rhein Zeitung, 2012) “is one of the most distinguished experts on fantasy literature” (Mannheimer Morgen, 2012) and “is known for presenting complex topics in an entertaining way” (Frankfurter Rundschau, 2013).
Schneidewind is a member of, among others, the German Tolkien Society (DTG, Deutsche Tolkien Gesellschaft), the Tolkien Society, the Karl May Society, the Oswald von Wolkenstein Society, the Fantasy Authors’ Network (PAN), the Society for Fantasy Research (GfF), the German Association of Specialized Journalists (DFJV), and the Association of German Writers (VS), for whose Rhine-Neckar regional group he has been producing the monthly radio program “Kopf im Ohr” on the independent radio station Bermudafunk since 2010.
I am involved with Climate Fiction Writers Europe because, ever since my college days, I have enjoyed encouraging people to think for themselves—as a lecturer and instructor, as a journalist, and as an author. Through climate fiction, I can describe what might happen—though not necessarily will—highlight both opportunities and risks, and mobilize forces of resistance.
Stories from the “Karl May Academy for Improvisation and Ingenuity,” which Friedhelm Schneidewind published between 2013 and 2025 in the “Phantastische Miniaturen” series of the Phantastische Bibliothek Wetzlar. They span the period from 2297 to 2601. In 2013, Volume 4 of the “Miniatures” series, “Auf sehr fremden Pfaden” (“On Very Strange Paths”), was dedicated to Karl May, one of Schneidewind’s favorite authors. With the first two stories, set in 2297 and 2312, the author laid the foundation for the “Karl May Academy for Improvisation and Ingenuity.” In the subsequent volumes of miniatures, Schneidewind has repeatedly written stories about and centered on the academy.
Before Kara Ben Nemsi can return home from the Haddedihn, he is asked by Marah Durimeh to go to the Caucasus, where evil forces are invading the magical otherworld through an open dimensional rift, thereby endangering our world as well. Kara’s old friend Old Firehand has also settled in the solitude of the Georgian mountains; he has transformed from a hunter into an animal rights activist and has even learned to speak with animals. When he realizes that the unspoiled nature of the Caucasus is in danger, he becomes a relentless and merciless fighter.
After suffering a serious injury in battle against the Poncas, Old Firehand has retired to St. Louis. Years later, an attack on his friend, the gunsmith Henry, turns him back into a merciless hunter; with Winnetou’s support, he regains his former strength and endurance. A months-long manhunt takes him across vast swaths of the United States, at times accompanied by Winnetou, the “upside-down toasts” Dick Hammerdull and Pitt Holbers, and the young Buffalo Bill. After many detours and battles, the old hunter succeeds in tracking down a notorious hitman.