In The Pioneers, the first of the series written, the Leatherstocldng is represented as already old, and driven from his early hannts in the forest by the sound of the axe and the smoke of the settler. The Last of the Mohicans, the next book in the order of publication,carried the readers back to a much earlier period in the history of our hero, representing him as middle-aged, and in the fullest vigor of manhood. In The Prairie, his career terminates, and he is laid in his grave. There, it was originally the intention to leave him, in the expectation that, as in the ease of the human mass, he would soon be forgotten. But a latent regard for this character induced the author to resusci tate him in The Pathfinder, a book that was not long after succeeded by The Deerslayer, thus completing the series as it now exists...

The deadly crack of a long rifle and the piercing cries of Indians on the warpath shatter the serenity of beautiful lake Glimmerglass. Danger has invaded the vast forests of upper New York State as Deerslayer and his loyal Mohican friend Chingachgook attempt the daring rescue of an Indian maiden imprisoned in a Huron camp. Soon they are caught in the crossfire between a cunning enemy and two white bounty hunters who mercilessly kill for profit.  The last of the Leatherstocking Tales to be written, though first in the chronology of the hero"s life, THE DEERSLAYER is James Fenimore Cooper"s masterpiece. A fine combination of romance,adventure, and morality; this classic novel of the frontier is an eloquent beginning for Cooper’s great wilderness saga--and an unforgettable introduction to the famous character who has been said to embody the conscience of America: the noble woodsman Deerslayer.

PREFACE TO THE LEATHERSTOCKING TALES

PREFACE

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXV

Chapter XXVI

Chapter XXVII

Chapter XXVIII

Chapter XXIX

Chapter XXX

Chapter XXXI

Chapter XXXII

BIBLIOGRAPHY