Robert Stermscheg was born in Maribor, Yugoslavia, in 1956. His parents were of Austrian descent, and due to his father's profession as an electrical engineer, moved to various countries in his early childhood. His father kept a steady supply of Karl May books to broaden his education and exposure to the developing world. The family moved to Canada in 1967, and settled in the Prairie province. Robert was involved in hockey, chess, skiing and flying, but always kept up his interest in the German language with Karl May books. His repertoire included about 40 books, that he read a number of times. He developed a passion for sharing his love for Karl May, and turned to searching for translations in English. Robert retired from the Winnipeg police service in 2006, and now had the time and opportunity to pursue his dream. His Italian wife, Toni, suggested for him to consider a translation project. She would support him with encouragement and volunteered to be a proofreader. Robert discovered the Nemsi Books website and was inspired with Michael's collaboration with his wife. He has chosen to start with volume number 56 - The Road to Waterloo, a classic tale of conflict between the French and the Germans during the Napoleonic War of 1814.