The Last of the Mohicans facts for kids
Title page, 1859 edition
|
|
| Author | James Fenimore Cooper |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Leatherstocking Tales |
| Genre | Adventure Historical Romance |
| Publisher | Philadelphia: H. C. Carey & I. Lea |
|
Publication date
|
1826 |
| Media type | |
The Last of the Mohicans is an exciting adventure story. It takes place a long time ago, during a real war. The famous writer James Fenimore Cooper wrote it. The book came out in 1826. The story happens in 1757 in what is now northern New York State. This was during the French and Indian War.
Even though the way it's written can be a bit tricky, The Last of the Mohicans is one of the most popular adventure stories ever. Many people in America study it in school. It has also been made into many movies, TV shows, and even a movie serial.
Contents
About the Book's Background
The Last of the Mohicans is part of a group of five books. These books are often called "The Leatherstocking Tales." They all follow the adventures of a made-up American frontiersman named Natty Bumppo. The Last of the Mohicans is the third book in this series if you read them in story order.
James Fenimore Cooper got his ideas from many places. He was inspired by British and American adventure books, like the Waverly books by Sir Walter Scott. He also used ideas from travel books and old American stories about the wild frontier and the people who lived there.
Meet the Main Characters
Here are some of the most important people you'll meet in the story:
- Natty "Hawkeye" Bumppo: A skilled frontiersman who lives in the wilderness.
- Uncas: Natty's brave Mohican friend. He is the last of his tribe.
- Chingachgook: Uncas's father and another wise Mohican friend of Natty.
- Colonel Munro: The leader of the British soldiers at Fort William Henry. He is the father of Alice and Cora.
- Cora Munro: Colonel Munro's older daughter. She is strong and brave.
- Alice Munro: Colonel Munro's younger daughter. She is gentle and kind.
- Major Duncan Heyward: A British officer who is in love with Alice.
- Magua: A tricky and dangerous Huron Indian who is an enemy.
- David Gamut: A singing teacher who often sings religious songs.
- General Marquis de Montcalm: The commander of the French forces during the war.
What the Story is About
The story takes place in New York State in 1757. This was during the French and Indian War. The main characters, Natty Bumppo and his two Mohican friends, Uncas and Chingachgook, face many dangers. They are trying to guide Cora and Alice Munro through the wild forests. Their goal is to reach their father, Colonel Munro, at Fort William Henry.
A big part of the story happens during a real historical event. This was when the French army and their Native American allies attacked the British fort. The fort fell, and there was a terrible event known as the Massacre at Fort William Henry. The characters' adventures happen right in the middle of these real historical moments.
Movies and TV Shows
The Last of the Mohicans has been made into many movies and TV shows. Here are a few:
- In 1992, Daniel Day-Lewis played a character like Natty Bumppo in a movie that was loosely based on the book.
- A 1936 movie starred Randolph Scott as Natty Bumppo and Bruce Cabot as Magua.
- The very first movie version was a silent movie in 1920. Harry Lorraine played Natty Bumppo, and Wallace Beery played Magua.
There was also a 12-part movie serial released in 1932. It starred Harry Carey as Hawkeye (Natty Bumppo). Mischa Auer played General Marquis de Montcalm.
A television series about Natty Bumppo and Chingachgook started in 1957. It starred John Hart and Lon Chaney, Jr.. There have also been several TV mini-series and movies made for television.
Images for kids
-
Thomas Cole, Cora Kneeling at the Feet of Tamenund, 1827. This painting shows a scene from the book.
-
Classics Illustrated comic book cover for The Last of the Mohicans Issue #4.
See also
In Spanish: El último mohicano para niños
