Second of the Leatherstocking Tales. Historical novel, set in 1757, during the French and Indian War. First published in 1826. According to Wikipedia, It was one of the most popular English-language novels of its time, and helped establish Cooper as one of the first world-famous American writers. The other Leatherstocking Tales are: Deerslayer, Pathfinder, Pioneers, and Prairie. According to Wikipedia: James Fenimore Cooper (September 15, 1789 – September 14, 1851) was a prolific and popular American writer of the early 19th century. He is best remembered as a novelist who wrote numerous sea-stories and the historical novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales, featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo. Among his most famous works is the Romantic novel The Last of the Mohicans, which many consider to be his masterpiece.