Set in the wild forests between the British and French colonies in the mid-18th century wars, The Last of the Mohicans brims with action. Hawk-eye, first of the tough but honorable heroes of the frontier, leads a mixed band on a perilous journey. In the course of their experiences, all are tested to the utmost. Hawk-eye and Chingachgook reveal true courage, Heyward shows doggedness and Magua proves treacherous. Uncas, last of the Mohicans, emerges as their savior—but too late to save Cora, the heroine.
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"I was always a big fan of the 1992 Michael Mann film starring Daniel Day Lewis, and so I finally read the original. First of all, that movie is loosely based upon the book and it turns out Mann never even read the original but based his film on the 1936 film script. Cooper published the work in 1826 so there is that florid, adjectiv...e laden prose that reads like a thesaurus smeared with molasses. But for its time I can see how it was viewed as a masterpiece and can definitely see how so much literature since has been influenced by this story. Was Hawkeye the original American hero? Independent, resourceful, rugged and casually violent, he may have been the archetype for many literary characters and may have done much to influence American culture as well. The book is also graphically violent, several scenes could have been lifted from a Cormack McCarthy novel, but Cooper was probably portraying an accurate depiction of a rough time."
— Lyn (4 out of 5 stars)
" The only book where I was assigned to read it and I tore each page as I finished so I was never tempted to read it again. I did, however, enjoy looking at Daniel Day Lewis in the movie. "
— Mary, 2/20/2014" The plot of this book was more simple than I would have expected of a book from it's time. I did thoroughly enjoy it however. It would appear to be the first western ever written even though it took place in upper New York state. One of the reasons that I enjoy old American classics is due to the fact that there is no revisionist history to deal with which is now so very common. Few people seem to recognize that 100 years [maybe only ten years] from now we will be considered heathen. There is no editorial about values of the past several months from CNN, Fox or MSNBC included. It is simply a tale of the times, concerns of the times and an insight to a period when some values were superior to ours and some were not. My greatest respect to the "last Mohican". "
— Chuck, 2/18/2014" Cooper has a long-winded, tedious style that grated on me. "
— Kurt, 2/18/2014" It's hard to believe it took me until now to read this. I give it five stars because I enjoyed it so much, but I know that I'm not judging objectively. "
— Dana, 2/16/2014" I really had to force myself through this book. This type of book is just not for me. "
— Anita, 2/16/2014" The story is great, however the blatant racism is so distracting. Everything in this book is defined by the character's ideas about race and "blood." It has a strong centralized story that is filled with daring do, disguises, oration, gun fighting, chases. escapes, love, nature, magic, and much more. Highly recommended. "
— N8te13, 2/16/2014" 18th Century tale of action/adventure. One of the five "Leatherstocking Tales" featuring Nathaniel Bumpo (Hawkeye) and his much feared gun "Killdeer." "
— Delafieldlib, 2/12/2014" The description was extensive; the story line somewhat overpowered by the details of the event and surroundings. "
— Janeece, 2/11/2014" This had more action than the movie; loved his writing "
— Yvonne, 2/7/2014" Yeah, I know it has it's flaws, but this was hands down my favorite book during my childhood. I re-read it every few years, and I still love it. "
— Tom, 2/4/2014" Not like the movie. I like both, though. The movie was more concise. Its story arc was more predictable. The book felt more real. Both are enjoyable. "
— Abinadi, 2/4/2014" Utterly unreadable stilted prose. Only managed to get about 1/8 of the way through and had to stop after a two chapter description of a location. I fully understand Mark Twain's disdain for the author's work. Avoid like the plague! "
— Morris, 2/4/2014" Indian bertikai karena imperialis... Indian berperang juga karena kolonialis... Indian terdesak akibat penjajahan. Semuanya hanya ditutup atas nama eksplorasi dunia luar. Perang Eropa yang melelahkan, bergeser mencari tumbal: Lahan Baru. Kekejaman indian yang ditampilkan tidak sepadan dengan gelombang pembantaian yang dilakukan "pendatang". Penduduk asli turun peringkat menjadi tidak berkasta. Akan sedikit berharga kalau bisa bertindak dan berposisi sebagai pesuruh. "
— Hasanuddin, 2/3/2014" One of those rare instances when the film (Mann) is much better than the book. "
— Ben, 2/2/2014" A difficult read to get into. Cooper has a meandering way to get through his story making even action seem dull but the completed story is rewarding if not sentimental for a time none of us will ever know first hand. "
— Corey, 2/1/2014" So far I am enjoying the discriptive way this book is written. The language is melodic and beautiful. I have wanted to read this book for a very long time. "
— Carlynne, 2/1/2014" As a historical analysis of an era I found this fascinating and extremely respectful, especially with regards to the topography of native culture and the natural physicality of the land. With regards to the characterisation of the two female protagonists, I found the book frustratingly narrow and one dimensional particularly in relation to Alice, whose tremulous fainting, and breathy emotionality seemed to be verging on the collapsing neurotic and always arising at the most inopportune times. Fennimore's own cultural conditioning obviously occluded his ability to properly comprehend and interpret the female emotional landscape, and ultimately this proved to be limiting factor in my enjoyment of this book. Interestingly I watched the movie straight after finishing the book and found the re imagined Alice to be a far more worthy, inspiring and realistic portrayal of the truth of womanhood. Alice retains her innocence, naivety and youth in the film finding the true essence of courage in softness and vulnerability without having to resort to the stereotypical Lara croft tomb raider cliche, or the quivering neurotic as delivered by the book.. "
— Ada, 1/31/2014" Nice. Very old. Kind of boring at times. Overall I liked it though. "
— Jared, 1/31/2014" I love this book. It's got a couple of really graphic killing scenes, but overall the book is very romantic. It gives you a pretty clear perspective of eastern settlement life too, without having to her about witch-trials etc. Very well written. Oh, and it's SO much better than the movie ever could be. "
— Chels, 1/30/2014" Kind of complicated writing, yet captivating. Okay. "
— Rachel, 1/29/2014" I have never said this before, but here goes. The movie is WAY better than the book. I never say this either; it was a horrible read. It was painful. I almost gave up, but kept believing there had to be something worthwhile in it for there to be such a fantastic film. Nope. Mark Twain was right to poke fun of the writers of this generation and genre... "
— Angie, 1/29/2014" Not going to be among my favorites. The writing varies from wonderful to curious to awkward. The plot and themes are not so much classic was dated. "
— Ben, 1/28/2014" The book was rather wordy for me, as it is commonly critiqued for by modern readers. "
— Laurelyn, 1/26/2014" Firstly i didn't enjoyed the book, but after some time i liked it very much. People like Hawk-eye, Uncas, his father and Cora must be the examples for the young. "
— Nina, 1/26/2014" One of my favorite books of all time. "
— Brigette, 1/26/2014" The innate helplessness of the female characters became very annoying. The movie version told a better story. "
— John, 1/24/2014" Couldn't read the entire book last time I attempted, but this time I'm more tolerant of JFC's need for a good editor. Still haven't finished it and don't intend too...way too wordy. Mark Twain was spot on, but ddl saved the day in the movie version. "
— Linda, 1/20/2014" I hated this book up until I watched the movie. The movie made the book seem like a work of art...which it is, considering it's been on the Classics list since...forever. If you can follow the writing, the plot is actually pretty exciting. The ending is sad though...lots of people die. "
— Laurel, 1/19/2014" Liked the setting and history and glad I read it but was quite a slog to read for me. I didn't like it near as well as I did Northwest Passage by Kenneth Roberts.I may read Pioneers later by Cooper but not next for sure. "
— Wesley, 1/17/2014" action, action and more action! nothing more and nothing less. better and faster than the movie and definitely more lyrical and comprehensive than the movie. "
— Vinod, 1/16/2014" action, adventure, romance....not just for kids. follows 'hawkeye' raised by mohicans,and his adopted dad & brother as they escort 2 young ladies through the dangerous territory fought over during the french & indian war. "
— Sherry, 1/16/2014" Action packed. Good story and much better than the movie :) "
— Rob, 1/15/2014" Though there are some long passages, most of this book moves along nicely. I probably never would have read it though, if it hadn't been for my Am - Lit class! "
— Kenyan, 1/15/2014" I listened to this on tape and had a hard time following the story. Although, at the end was very well written and left me with a very amazing message. "
— Anissa, 1/14/2014" All in all I enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting with twists and turns but Cooper seemed to drag parts on. The characterization was often way to long. The ending was predictable, with Cora, Magua, and Uncas dying. The rising action really made the book enjoyable. "
— Tedbrust, 1/13/2014" Excellent book! Loved it and the characters. Hawkeye is somewhere between mystical and plain amazing. It is a very long hard read that goes much deeper than the movie ever thought. "
— Keith, 1/10/2014" I gave up. Couldn't do it. It was just too awful. The Indians spoke as if their dialog was plagiarized from an encyclopedia entry. The other characters were even worse. The writing style is so stultified and blocky that it's often a serious labor to wade through. "
— Adrian, 1/10/2014" This was an enjoyable book. It ran out of steam for the last fifteen pages or so, but the rest of it was great. "
— Julianna, 1/9/2014" Wordy and boring. I agree with Twain. "
— Amy, 1/7/2014" Can you believe I was an English/ed major and had never read this book? For shame! I know its history and importance in the development of American lit, but I have to say, Mr. Cooper is a bit on the wordy side for me. The story is an amazing tale, but it sometimes gets bogged down by all the voluble description. But, then again, Cooper has written a classic keystone of American lit. and I...have...not. So what do I know? "
— Laurel, 1/3/2014" Totally great -- in its context. The language tripped me up more than I thought it would. Stylized and dated. But, didn't matter. "
— Martha, 1/1/2014" Movie is way more entertaining. "
— Kimberly, 12/31/2013" I really liked this book. "
— M.A., 12/27/2013" The scout named Hawkeye and his companion explore the wilderness of upstate New York during the French and Indian Wars. They are atteempting to rescue the Muro sisters who have been captured by Indians. "
— Fredrick, 12/21/2013" loved learning hhistory and perspective "
— Camille, 12/21/2013" Wordy and boring. I agree with Twain. "
— Amy, 12/19/2013" this was good. disturbing, but good. "
— RK, 12/18/2013" One of the few books where I enjoyed the movie much better. The story felt fragmented. Cora and Alice were not at all to my liking. Of course, I loved Hawkeye, but the only enjoyable moment for me was his final speech at the end. "
— Mary, 12/13/2013" This was an excellent story. It has a great story line. However, sometimes Mr. Cooper's writing is a little bit confusing. "
— Bethany, 12/11/2013" So far I am enjoying the discriptive way this book is written. The language is melodic and beautiful. I have wanted to read this book for a very long time. "
— Carlynne, 12/10/2013" This can be very long-winded, but worth your time...especially when the main character dresses up in a bear skin...it's a kind of comical part. I wouldn't EVER watch the movie before or after reading this book because it is NOTHING like the book! They got it all wrong! "
— Alyson, 12/10/2013" Gah. Cooper sucks all the action out of an action-packed story. Boo on him. "
— Tyler, 12/7/2013" I hated this book up until I watched the movie. The movie made the book seem like a work of art...which it is, considering it's been on the Classics list since...forever. If you can follow the writing, the plot is actually pretty exciting. The ending is sad though...lots of people die. "
— Laurel, 12/7/2013" Read this one in college. Loved it, especially since we got to see the movie version and write comparison papers. Now, it's hard for me to separate the book and movie in my mind. Maybe that should be a 4 star for the book. "
— Ann, 12/2/2013" What a shallow female character. The women are mere puppets with a thin cover of painted life. It is a compelling story line. "
— Rebecca, 12/1/2013" Simultaneously a wartime adventure novel, a faithful historical fiction, and one of the greatest expositions on racial equality ever written. A how-to on manly conduct. I will read this to my children and, god willing, my grandchildren. "
— Ryan, 11/28/2013" Telling I know but I could never finish one of Cooper's books. I always got bogged down in his descriptive ramblings. "
— Khoran, 11/27/2013" Interesting to read about the times when indians were feared in America as savages. The plot of the book didn't hold my attention as much as I would like. closer to 2.5 stars "
— Troy, 11/26/2013" I can see why it is an American classic. Enjoyed it even more since it was an audio-book, where I could appreciate the cadence of the Indian voices. "
— bert-bobbi, 11/23/2013" All in all I enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting with twists and turns but Cooper seemed to drag parts on. The characterization was often way to long. The ending was predictable, with Cora, Magua, and Uncas dying. The rising action really made the book enjoyable. "
— Tedbrust, 11/22/2013" Just finished reading this book. I love it for it's imagery and language. Not a fast paced thriller. "
— Ramona, 11/15/2013" Good book, but when I read this (I was a young adult) I found parts of it to be pretty disturbing. "
— Lori, 10/22/2013" Kind of complicated writing, yet captivating. Okay. "
— Rachel, 10/18/2013" Boring. A good book if you want to fall asleep very quickly. Two stars only thanks to the last fifty or so pages with finally some other action then walking in the forest. "
— Lelli, 10/17/2013" The old style writing,pathos and romanticism is hard to get used too. But once you adjust it is a great trip well researched and exciting in character. Well worth a trip down memory lane. "
— John, 10/12/2013" it was ok too detailed for my taste "
— Christine, 10/3/2013" Read this in a cottage by the ocean one night when a gale was blowing so hard, I thought the windows on the west side of the house would blow out. It was certainly diverting! "
— Patty, 9/29/2013" The writing from that era was certainly different. Dialogue and descriptive passages may have been popular in its time, but Lordy what a drag getting through some of it. "
— Vernon, 9/20/2013" I liked the movie better. "
— Twila, 9/16/2013" loved this book... different from the movie , still good to picture daniel day lewis as hawkeye and madeline stowe as corat "
— Agnes, 9/4/2013" This is a decent book. It is noteworthy for me, because it joins "Wiseguy" as one of only two books where I found the movie to be better than the book. "
— Adam, 8/21/2013" Though there are some long passages, most of this book moves along nicely. I probably never would have read it though, if it hadn't been for my Am - Lit class! "
— Kenyan, 6/29/2013" Good book... I felt like there was so much missing though... but I was glad I read it. "
— Crystal, 6/6/2013" I probably favored this because it is set in Glens Falls, Lake George, Schroon Lake, and Lake Placid. The ONLY thing it has in common with the movie is the main characters. The events and themes are completely different. "
— Joyce, 6/6/2013" Couldn't get through it but I do like Hawkeye. Great character. "
— Melissa, 6/4/2013" Utterly unreadable stilted prose. Only managed to get about 1/8 of the way through and had to stop after a two chapter description of a location. I fully understand Mark Twain's disdain for the author's work. Avoid like the plague! "
— Morris, 6/2/2013" The writing style is very old school. You need to concentrate when reading the book but JFC is a very good story teller. For anyone who likes books about character development, morals and values and the meaning of life. It'll make you think about the things that are important to us. "
— Bookdaddy, 5/29/2013" good book, kind of drawn out in some parts. but good. "
— Olyj, 5/19/2013" simply godawful, holy hell. movie was good though. this is torturous to read? "
— Brian, 3/21/2013" It was hard to get through the first 3 or 4 chapters ... after that it was very good. "
— Myrna, 3/18/2013" Some narrative problems aside, I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would... "
— Letterswitch, 3/10/2013" Watch the movie, it's much better. The singing dude is what kills me -- how did they ever survive with that lunatic hanging around singing at all moments???? This book should be classed as cruel and unusual punishment. "
— Val, 2/22/2013" good, solid story with a tendency to ramble. it is sometimes hard to hollow what is happening due to the rambling, but i liked it overall. "
— Kyra, 2/20/2013" An awesome book and an awesome author, with beartiful imagery, but I was disappointed that it was so much different from the movie (which I saw before reading the book). No love story! Bah! "
— Jennifer, 1/15/2013" Overall a great book about colonial America and struggles between the colonials and Natives of this land. A little slow and slightly violent at parts, but for the most part an amazing read about the early growth and developments of the United States. "
— Mike, 12/2/2012" This is one of the few books that I think the movie is better. "
— Ami, 11/28/2012" Words, words, words. Cooper could give Dickens a run for his money. Go watch the movie. "
— Gwen, 11/13/2012" The old-fashioned style is a bit off-putting, but this adventure story has all you could ask for, with battles, betrayals and heroism. However, if you know the film version, expect the book to be quite different, they changed a lot of the plot for the film! "
— Benjamin, 10/21/2012" Romantic adventure, surprisingly sensible to native americans and to ecology for a book written in early XIX century. "
— Ivan, 10/21/2012" A fascinating story of the Indians, French and English in the New York, Delaware area of the United States. I sympathized with the Indians and then thought they were savages. War, revenge, power, survival and love kept this book very interesting. "
— Shauna, 9/1/2012" 4.5 stars. Too gut-wrenching, beautiful, and tragic for words. Just read the book. "
— Elizabeth, 8/30/2012" It is a long read, but I enjoyed it. "
— Brian, 7/25/2012" stick with daniel day lewis shirtless running through the forest all sweaty "
— Gwyndolyn, 7/11/2012" I'm reading The Greater Journey by David McCullough and I was interested in his descriptions of the time that James Fenimore Cooper spent in Paris in the 1830s, so I decide to reread this American classic. It's about what I remember. "
— Judy, 6/1/2012" I read this in high school and I remember it was so boring and I had to hold my eyelids open to finish it. Now I may find it more interesting, but too many books to read and not enough time. "
— Book, 4/10/2012" The book was enjoyable as an adventure novel, but it didn't explore its ideas enough for me to consider it a classic. "
— Ahamstarr, 2/9/2012" Dont ever read this book ever!!!! it is not good. "
— Rasier, 1/6/2012" I liked the characters in this book so much that I named one of my sons after one of the characters. "
— Amber, 11/30/2011" it was the beast book i ever read i love it i could read it a thousand times before getting tired of it "
— Jones, 10/2/2011" If you can get through some of the prolonged descriptions, this is actually a cliff-hanger. It deals with loyalty and bravery and the the difficulties of change and race relations. "
— Carolyn, 7/2/2011" didn't like b/c took too much to decipher the language "
— Alice, 6/24/2011" How many adjectives can be used in one sentence? I do not like Cooper's style at all! "
— Martine, 6/12/2011" An outstanding story!! Truly one classic that I really enjoyed reading. "
— Aaron, 5/31/2011" This could possible be the worst book on the face of this planet. So there's that... "
— Phil, 5/25/2011" I started this book three times and finished it once. It took a lot of commitment to get through it. I ended up loving the story but hating having to wade through his swamp-like prose. "
— Mogi, 5/14/2011" I started this book three times and finished it once. It took a lot of commitment to get through it. I ended up loving the story but hating having to wade through his swamp-like prose. "
— Mogi, 5/14/2011" I started this book three times and finished it once. It took a lot of commitment to get through it. I ended up loving the story but hating having to wade through his swamp-like prose. "
— Mogi, 5/14/2011" I started this book three times and finished it once. It took a lot of commitment to get through it. I ended up loving the story but hating having to wade through his swamp-like prose. "
— Mogi, 5/14/2011" Good story, but a very SLOW read. This is a case where the movie gets to the heart of the story and cuts out the unnecessary stuff. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" Good story, but a very SLOW read. This is a case where the movie gets to the heart of the story and cuts out the unnecessary stuff. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" Good story, but a very SLOW read. This is a case where the movie gets to the heart of the story and cuts out the unnecessary stuff. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" Good story, but a very SLOW read. This is a case where the movie gets to the heart of the story and cuts out the unnecessary stuff. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" Great book, lot of action, sad ending. "
— Keith, 4/27/2011" Great book, lot of action, sad ending. "
— Keith, 4/27/2011" Great book, lot of action, sad ending. "
— Keith, 4/27/2011" Great book, lot of action, sad ending. "
— Keith, 4/27/2011" Read after seeing the movie. The movie is very fast paced, the book is not. <br/> "
— John, 4/24/2011" Read after seeing the movie. The movie is very fast paced, the book is not. <br/> "
— John, 4/24/2011" Read after seeing the movie. The movie is very fast paced, the book is not. <br/> "
— John, 4/24/2011" Read after seeing the movie. The movie is very fast paced, the book is not. <br/> "
— John, 4/24/2011" Tough read, as it was written in the early 1800's, but once you get into the style and rhythm it's good. A nice change of pace. "
— Mary, 4/17/2011" Tough read, as it was written in the early 1800's, but once you get into the style and rhythm it's good. A nice change of pace. "
— Mary, 4/17/2011" Tough read, as it was written in the early 1800's, but once you get into the style and rhythm it's good. A nice change of pace. "
— Mary, 4/17/2011" Tough read, as it was written in the early 1800's, but once you get into the style and rhythm it's good. A nice change of pace. "
— Mary, 4/17/2011" I think you could read this if you really want to - it's a good genre piece. A bit wordy though- whew! "
— Kimberly, 4/5/2011" I think you could read this if you really want to - it's a good genre piece. A bit wordy though- whew! "
— Kimberly, 4/5/2011" I think you could read this if you really want to - it's a good genre piece. A bit wordy though- whew! "
— Kimberly, 4/5/2011" I think you could read this if you really want to - it's a good genre piece. A bit wordy though- whew! "
— Kimberly, 4/5/2011" I really enjoyed this book. Now I need to watch the movie again because it has been too long since I watched it. "
— Shellie, 3/27/2011" I really enjoyed this book. Now I need to watch the movie again because it has been too long since I watched it. "
— Shellie, 3/27/2011" I really enjoyed this book. Now I need to watch the movie again because it has been too long since I watched it. "
— Shellie, 3/27/2011" I really enjoyed this book. Now I need to watch the movie again because it has been too long since I watched it. "
— Shellie, 3/27/2011" This rating is for the Daniel Day-Lewis film, not the turgid Fenimore Cooper novel. The inspired acting, spectacular scenery, and gorgeous sound track brought the book to life. "
— George, 3/24/2011" This rating is for the Daniel Day-Lewis film, not the turgid Fenimore Cooper novel. The inspired acting, spectacular scenery, and gorgeous sound track brought the book to life. "
— George, 3/24/2011" This rating is for the Daniel Day-Lewis film, not the turgid Fenimore Cooper novel. The inspired acting, spectacular scenery, and gorgeous sound track brought the book to life. "
— George, 3/24/2011" This rating is for the Daniel Day-Lewis film, not the turgid Fenimore Cooper novel. The inspired acting, spectacular scenery, and gorgeous sound track brought the book to life. "
— George, 3/24/2011" Dont ever read this book ever!!!! it is not good. "
— Rasier, 3/19/2011" Dont ever read this book ever!!!! it is not good. "
— Rasier, 3/19/2011" Dont ever read this book ever!!!! it is not good. "
— Rasier, 3/19/2011" Dont ever read this book ever!!!! it is not good. "
— Rasier, 3/19/2011" This is probably my least favorite book I've ever had to read. I read it the summer before my junior year of high school, and I still remember the pain of trying to get through it. "
— Tamara, 3/12/2011" This is probably my least favorite book I've ever had to read. I read it the summer before my junior year of high school, and I still remember the pain of trying to get through it. "
— Tamara, 3/12/2011" This is probably my least favorite book I've ever had to read. I read it the summer before my junior year of high school, and I still remember the pain of trying to get through it. "
— Tamara, 3/12/2011" This is probably my least favorite book I've ever had to read. I read it the summer before my junior year of high school, and I still remember the pain of trying to get through it. "
— Tamara, 3/12/2011" it was a very hard book to read but when i finally got into it I did enjoy it esoecially towards the end :) "
— Virginia, 3/9/2011" it was a very hard book to read but when i finally got into it I did enjoy it esoecially towards the end :) "
— Virginia, 3/9/2011" it was a very hard book to read but when i finally got into it I did enjoy it esoecially towards the end :) "
— Virginia, 3/9/2011" it was a very hard book to read but when i finally got into it I did enjoy it esoecially towards the end :) "
— Virginia, 3/9/2011" The writing style is very old school. You need to concentrate when reading the book but JFC is a very good story teller. For anyone who likes books about character development, morals and values and the meaning of life. It'll make you think about the things that are important to us. "
— Bookdaddy, 3/8/2011James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851), the first major American novelist, was the son of a wealthy landowner who founded Cooperstown, New York. He attended Yale and served in the navy before turning to writing, winning international fame with The Spy (1821). After The Pioneers (1823), public fascination with the character of Natty Bumppo led him to write a series of sequels that gradually unfold the entire life of the frontier scout.