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.

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