HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics. 'Death and honour are thought to be the same, but today I have learned that sometimes they are not.' Set in frontier America in the midst of the French-Indian war, as the French are attempting to overthrow an English fort, Cooper's story follows Alice and Cora Munro, pioneer sisters who are trying to find their way back to their father, an English commander. Guided by an army major and Magua, an Indian from the Huron tribe, they soon meet Hawk-eye, a frontier scout and his Mohican Indian companions Chingachgook and Uncas. Magua is not all that he seems and the sisters are kidnapped. In The Last of the Mohicans, Cooper sets Indian tribe against Indian tribe and lays bare the brutality of the white man against the Mohicans.

Fenimore Cooper's tale of Hawk-eye and his Mohican friends Chingachgook and his son, Uncas, as they help four wayward British travellers navigate the American wilderness amidst the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Danger stalks them at every turn with the native Hurons hunting them, led by their deceitful guide, Magua. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colourful comic strip form, offering an excellent introduction for younger readers. This edition also includes a biography of James Fenimore Cooper and study questions, which can be used both in the classroom and at home to further engage the reader in the story.

The action of James Fenimore Cooper's The Prairie (1827) unfolds against the backdrop of the grasslands beyond the Mississippi, just after the Louisiana Purchase, in the early days of western expansion. It features Cooper's most celebrated literary creation, Natty Bumppo, now aged and reduced to making a living by trapping. As the frontiersman's epic journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific nears its end in a vast and still uninhabited region that Cooper consistently imagines as an ocean of the interior, nothing less than the future identity of America is at stake, Domhnall Mitchell suggests in his Introduction. The John Harvard Library edition reproduces the authoritative text of the novel from The Writings of James Fenimore Cooper, published by the State University of New York Press. Since 1959 The John Harvard Library has been instrumental in publishing essential American writings in authoritative editions.

With "The Pioneers" (1823), Cooper initiated his series of elegiac romances of frontier life and introduced the world to Natty Bumppo (or Leather-stocking). Set in 1793 in New York State, the novel depicts an aging Leather-stocking negotiating his way in a restlessly expanding society. In his introduction, Robert Daly argues for the novel s increasing relevance: we live in a similarly complex society as Cooper s frontier world, faced with the same questions about the limits of individualism, the need for voluntary cooperation, and stewardship of the environment.

The John Harvard Library edition reproduces the authoritative text of "The Pioneers" in the "The Writings of James Fenimore Cooper, "published by the State University of New York Press.

Set in 1757 during the French and Indian War, as Britain and France fought for control of North America, "The Last of the Mohicans" is a historical novel and a rousing adventure story. It is also, Wayne Franklin argues in his introduction, a probing examination of the political and cultural contest taking shape more than half a century later in the author's own day as European settlement continued to relentlessly push Native Americans westward. The John Harvard Library edition reproduces the authoritative text of the novel from "The Writings of James Fenimore Cooper," published by the State University of New York Press.

Though The Deerslayer (1841) was the last of Cooper's five Leather-stocking tales to be written, it is the first in the chronology of Natty Bumppo's life. Set in the 1740s before the start of the French and Indian War, when Cooper's rugged frontiersman is in his twenties, Cooper's novel shows us how "Deerslayer" becomes "Hawkeye." It remains the best point of entry into the series for modern readers. In his introduction, Ezra Tawil examines Cooper's motivations in writing The Deerslayer, the static nature of Natty, and Cooper's vexed racial politics. The John Harvard Library edition reproduces the authoritative text of The Deerslayer in The Writings of James Fenimore Cooper (State University of New York Press). Since 1959 The John Harvard Library has been instrumental in publishing essential American writings in authoritative editions.

In 1831, James Fenimore Cooper told his publisher that he wanted to write a story set on Lake Ontario. The book was accepted, but with no hint that it would feature Natty Bumppo from the well-established Leather-Stocking Tales. The Pathfinder" (1840) revisits Natty s military service, extending a story begun in The Last of the Mohicans," and introduces the complications of love against the backdrop of the French and Indian War. Wayne Franklin s introduction describes the personal and financial circumstances that led to Cooper s resurrection of his most popular character, underscoring the author s aim to offer Natty as a Pathfinder for a nation he feared had lost its moral bearings. The John Harvard Library edition reproduces the text of The Pathfinder" from The Writings of James Fenimore Cooper" (State University of New York Press).

Since 1959 The John Harvard Library has been instrumental in publishing essential American writings in authoritative editions."

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt: ...frame of the intended schooner was a thing easy enough, with expert American axemen, and with that glorious implement of civilization, the American axe. But it was not quite so e, asy to get the timber down to the cove. The keel; in particular, gave a good deal of trouble. Heaton had brought along with him both cart and wagon wheels, and without that it is questionable if the stick could have been moved by any force then at the command of the colony. By suspending it in chains beneath the axles, however, it was found possible to draw it, though several of the women had to lend their aid in moving the mass. When ai the head of the Stairs, the timber was lowered on the rock, and was slid downwards, with occasional lifts by the crowbar and handspike. When it reached the water it was found to be.much too heavy to float, and it was by no means an easy matter to buoy it up in such a way that it might be towed. The Anne was three times as long making her passage with this keel in tow, as she was without it. It was done, however, and the laying of the keel was effected with some little ceremony, in the presence of nearly every soul belonging to the colony. The getting out and raising of the frame of the 'Friend Abraham White' took six weeks. Great importance was attached to success in this matter, and everybody assisted in the work with right good will. At one time it was doubted if stuff enough could be found in the ship to plank her up with, and it was thought it might become necessary to break up the Rancocus, in order to complete the job. To Bridget's great joy, however, the good old Rancocus---so they called her, though she was even then only eight years old--the good old Rancocus' time had not yet come, and she was able to live in her cabin for some...

Cooper's most enduringly popular novel combines heroism and romance with powerful criticism of the destruction of nature and tradition.

Set against the French and Indian siege of Fort William Henry in 1757, The Last of the Mohicans recounts the story of two sisters, Cora and Alice Munro, daughters of the English commander, who are struggling to be reunited with their father. They are aided in their perilous journey by Hawk-eye, a frontier scout and his companions Chingachgook and Uncas, the only two survivors of the Mohican tribe. But their lives are endangered by the Mangua, the savage Indian traitor who captures the sisters, wanting Cora to be his squaw.

In setting Indian against Indian and the brutal society of the white man against the civilization of the Mohican, Cooper, more than any author before or since, shaped the American sense of itself as a nation.

When Cora and Alice Munro's Native American guide Magua proves to be secretly allied with the French and slips away, the sisters turn to Natty Bumppo and the Mohicans Chingachgook and Uncas to lead them to Fort William Henry, where their father is in command. Yet Magua is sure to return with his fellow Huron warriors, and with the bloody conflict of the French and Indian War raging all around them, the Munros will have to trust their new guides if they are ever to reach the fort. Widely regarded as the first great American novel, The Last of the Mohicans, with its epic landscapes, stoic frontiersmen and noble Native Americans, created much of the mythology and romance that has wreathed the American frontier adventure ever since. This edition contains notes and extra material.

Natty Bumppo is a bold young man raised by Native Americans. Nicknamed "Deerslayer" for his courageous attitude that sets him apart from his peers, Natty is adventurous and kind. As a firm believer that all living beings should respect the gifts of nature, Natty despises violence. However, as he comes of age and experiences the antagonistic relationship between Native Americans and white settlers, violence is difficult to avoid. With the help of his best friend, Chingachgook, Natty struggles to confront two white men at the center of the violence. Henry March, a man nearly opposite of Natty in terms of morals and upbringing, collaborates with former pirate "Floating Tom" Hutter to achieve their racist agenda and claim land previously occupied by indigenous people. Intending to scalp and kill as many Native Americans as they can, Hutter and March attack a Native American village, setting a cruel precedent. This attack spurs retribution and a string of kidnappings, ransoms, and rescue missions-all of which Natty finds himself in the middle of. Meanwhile, Natty and Chingachgook meet Tom Hutter's daughters, Judith and Hetty, who also find themselves stuck in the bloodthirsty environment the elder generation is brewing. Judith is enamored by Natty and attempts to nurture a romance between the two of them. Now, facing tragic deaths, unnecessary violence, and the trials of love, Natty must come of age as he attempts to survive and stop the brutality. With intricate prose and high adventure, The Deerslayer introduces the pioneer New York setting and protagonists of James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales series. The Deerslayer depicts the violence that the Europeans inflicted upon Native Americans with a unique perspective, noting the differences between the two races while also hailing the similarities, encouraging unity. Though written much later than the rest of the novels in the series, The Deerslayer prequels the rest, and is chronologically first in the narrative of James Fenimore Cooper's famous series. Blending action and romance genres, The Deerslayer remains exciting to a modern audience while depicting the struggle of early American life. This edition of James Fenimore Cooper's The Deerslayer features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a modern font. With these accommodations, contemporary readers can experience the exceptional and complex origin story of the courageous protagonist of the Leatherstocking Tales.

The second of Cooper's five Leatherstocking Tales, this is the one which has consistently captured the imagination of generations since it was first published in 1826. It's success lies partly in the historical role Cooper gives to his Indian characters, against the grain of accumulated racial hostility, and partly in his evocation of the wild beautiful landscapes of North America which the French and the British fought to control throughout the eighteenth century. At the center of the novel is the celebrated Massacre' of British troops and their families by Indian allies of the French at Fort William Henry in 1757. Around this historical event, Cooper built a romantic fiction of captivity, sexuality, and heroism, in which the destiny of the Mohicans Chingachgook and his son Uncas is inseparable from the lives of Alice and Cora Munro and of Hawkeye the frontier scout. The controlled, elaborate writing gives natural pace to the violence of the novel's action: like the nature whose plundering Copper laments, the books placid surfaces conceal inexplicable and deathly forces.
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As tension begins to grow in America during the revolution, Mr. Wharton, a British sympathizer, moves his family to his county estate named “The Locusts,” with the intention to avoid any political conflict. Located in Westchester County, New York, the area was considered a common ground for patriots and loyalists. However, action starts to stir in the neutral town when an enigmatic man shows up at Mr. Wharton’s home. Hoping for shelter from the severe storm looming over the area, Mr. Harper, a man who holds himself like a soldier, but dresses in plain clothes, asks Mr. Wharton if he could harbor himself at The Locusts. Mr. Wharton agrees, immediately attempting to root out Harper’s feelings about the revolution. Harper, however, stays unresponsive to his efforts. The mystery continues when Harper meets with a peddler named Harvey Birch. When a servant in Mr. Wharton’s home overhears part of their conversation, he immediately tells Mr. Wharton about what he perceived as suspicious behavior. As rumors spread about their meetings and political preferences, a theory that Birch is a spy for the British becomes popular. When a bounty is placed over Birch’s head, he must evade capture, attack, and espionage as he struggles to protect his secret. Written with beautiful simplicity, The Spy by James Fenimore Cooper was inspired by a real event during the American Revolution. Originally published in 1821, The Spy served as one of the first literary works to portray an American setting, instead of the traditional English practice to depict European settings. This innovation appealed to James Fenimore Cooper’s intention to eliminate the bias against Americans, and to foster a proud culture by depicting the American landscape with intricate detail. With the depiction of major revolutionary figures, the early environment of small-town America, and an examination of the revolution’s effect on culture, The Spy by James Fenimore Cooper is a complex and comprehensive narrative. This edition of James Fenimore Cooper’s The Spy has been redesigned to accommodate the modern reader. With a striking new cover, and printed in a stylish font, The Spy is an accessible and essential read for any American patriot.

"A rousing frontier saga."-The Washington Post "(Cooper's) sympathy is large, and his humor is as genuine--and as perfectly unaffected--as his art."-Joseph Conrad The Last of the Mohicans (1826) is the most popular of James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales. The continuing adventures of the peerless frontiersman Hawkeye, also known as Natty Bumppo among other monikers, is an unforgettable saga of the frontier life of early America. Set during the French and Indian Wars of mid-eighteenth century, this hair-raising historical novel opens as the French army is attacking Fort William Henry, a British fort in Western New York commanded by the withdrawn Colonel Munro. In the forest between Fort William Henry and another distant British outpost, Munro's daughters Alice and Cora, are escorted through the dangerous terrain by Major Heyward and a Huron Indian named Magua. When the group crosses their path with the white frontiersman Natty Bumppo and his Indian companions, Heyward is warned that they are being betrayed by Magua, and the group is not being led to Fort William Henry. Magua runs to the woods, and the group is lead to safety by Natty and the two remaining members of the Mohican tribe, Chingachgok and his son Uncas. Next morning, the group is attacked by a gang of the Huron tribe, and all are captured with the exception of Natty Bumppo and the mohicans. In the ensuing events of this extraordinary novel, the conflicts of battle, love, and race are unfolded against a thrilling adventure story. This classic of American literature has been adapted into numerous films, including the 1992 version starring Daniel Day-Lewis. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Last of the Mohicans is both modern and readable.