James Fenimore Cooper
The Last of the Mohicans is the second book in Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales pentalogy, and remains his best-known work. It is a historical novel set in the French and Indian war in New York, and centers around the massacre of surrendered Anglo-American troops. The two daughters of the British commander are kidnapped, but rescued by the last two Mohicans. The title comes from a quote by Tamanend: "I have lived to see the last warrior
...2) The Prairie
Pining for a tale of frontier life on the vast prairie? Settle in with this novel from James Fenimore Cooper, the fifth and final installment in his Leatherstocking Tales series, which follows the exploits of one Natty Bumppo, a trapper living out his twilight years in the wide open spaces of the Midwest.
Renowned American author James Fenimore Cooper had a lifelong fascination with the sea—and a deep appreciation for the brave men who spent their lives traversing it. In the novel Miles Wallingford, the sequel to Cooper's Afloat and Ashore, Cooper focuses on the life story of one remarkable sailor, the Wallingford of the title, who recounts his exploits on the sea as a young man.
From the author of The Last of the Mohicans comes this classic nautical adventure tale that follows a sea voyage gone horribly awry. When a group of well-born British aristocrats set sail for the United States, they couldn't possibly imagine the mishaps that lie ahead of them when they find themselves coming ashore in Africa.
In what may be a first among maritime action-adventure novels, the vessels at the center of this fast-paced tale from James Fenimore Cooper spend virtually the entirety of the story in harbor off the coast of New York. When a band of rowdy pirates abduct an heiress, her beau gives chase in a thrilling standoff. But when national tensions intervene, the story takes an unexpected turn.
Wrapped in what appears at first to be a fairly straightforward maritime action-adventure novel, James Fenimore Cooper's Jack Tier offers fascinating layers of complexity. Set against the backdrop of the U.S.-Mexico War, this in-depth look at life at sea includes hidden identities, racial strife, ageism, and material greed.
Get set for an exhilarating nautical adventure that pits one of the world's most notorious pirates against a ragtag crew of black and white sailors who must overcome their differences and band together for the fight. Although The Red Rover shares the fast pace and detailed plotting of Cooper's more famous books, such as The Last of the Mohicans, it's a more humorous take on the historical novel than many of his other works.
Looking for a stiff dose of seat-of-your-pants wartime action and adventure? Check out The Spy from American literary master James Fenimore Cooper. This extensively researched tale of the Revolutionary War focuses on the exploits of protagonist Harry Birch, who is passionately devoted to the cause of American independence but nonetheless finds himself falsely accused of treason.
Even though he is regarded as one of the key figures who contributed to the creation of a distinctly American literary sensibility, author James Fenimore Cooper spent a significant portion of his life living abroad in Europe. Structured as a series of letters written to various figures who played a role in Cooper's life overseas, this collection provides an interesting look at differences in European and American culture in the nineteenth century.
...Written under the pseudonym "Jane Morgan," the two tales collected in this volume reflect the profound influence that British author Jane Austen had on Cooper's early development as a writer. Geared toward younger audiences, these romances strive to impart important moral lessons.
11) The Lake Gun
In this parable-like short story from American author James Fenimore Cooper, a sage Native American relates the tragic tale of a young upstart named See-wise who bucks tribal tradition and tries to convince his fellow fisherman to flout seasonal restrictions on fishing. For this transgression, he is doomed to an eternal punishment.
This whaling adventure from beloved American author James Fenimore Cooper works on two levels. On the surface, it's an exciting maritime action-adventure tale recounting the twin voyages of two different ships seeking bounty and treasure in the waters around Antarctica. On a deeper level, it's a thought-provoking allegory about how adverse circumstances can impact people differently based on their character and spirit.
Get set for hijinks on the high seas in this rip-roaring action-adventure tale from American author James Fenimore Cooper. French privateer Raoul Yvard puts his own life at stake in a daring attempt to rescue the father of his beloved, whose execution is close at hand. Will he pull off the courageous feat?
This sensational tale from action-adventure master James Fenimore Cooper takes the form of the life story of a rugged old sailor, Miles Wallingford. As a youth, Miles, his brother, and their slave Neb ran away from the family home to become seamen, dashing the family's hopes that Miles will become a respectable lawyer. Veering wildly from calamities to courageous feats and back again, Afloat and Ashore is one sea tale you won't soon forget.
...16) The Bravo
Eighteenth-century Venice is the setting for The Bravo, a sprawling sea novel that is equal parts travelogue, cultural analysis, political treatise, and adventure tale. While packed with plenty of the gripping action Cooper's novels are known for, The Bravo also offers readers an insightful glimpse into the social class differences and tensions that served to corrupt European leaders in the era.
Perhaps more than any other nineteenth-century American author, James Fenimore Cooper sought to represent the culture and struggles of Native Americans. Although his depictions of indigenous tribes still bear traces of the endemic racism that was part of the larger American culture at the time, they did represent a literary breakthrough in the era. In the novel The Wept of Wish-Ton-Wish, Cooper shifts the focus to the earliest encounters
...19) Ned Myers
Quebec-born Ned Myers was a fascinating character who knew he was destined for a life on the sea from an early age. Orphaned as a young boy, Myers ran away to New York City at the tender age of 11 to fulfill his dream. On one of his voyages, Myers made the acquaintance of American author James Fenimore Cooper, who was so taken with this salty sea dog that he was compelled to write this full-length biography.
Regarded by many as the first writer to develop a quintessentially American literary style, James Fenimore Cooper's work is always highly evocative of a particular time, place, and ethos. In The Crater, Fenimore Cooper introduces a supernatural element to a classic action-adventure tale, which makes for a rip-roaring read.