The Last of the Mohicans

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (1826)

During the French and Indian War, frontiersman Hawkeye (Natty Bumppo) and his Mohican companions Chingachgook and Uncas escort two sisters through hostile territory. The most famous American adventure novel of the 19th century.

Historical Significance:
Published in 1826, The Last of the Mohicans was the second of Cooper's five Leatherstocking Tales and his greatest commercial success. It was the bestselling American novel of the 19th century and was translated into virtually every European language. While Cooper's portrayal of Native Americans has been criticized as romanticized and stereotypical, the novel was groundbreaking in presenting indigenous characters as heroic protagonists. Daniel Day-Lewis's 1992 film adaptation revived interest in the novel. Cooper essentially invented the American frontier adventure genre.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1826. Free to read and share.