This is a classic novel of the American frontier and its people, circa 1757. Part of The Leatherstocking Tales, this novel delineates a highly romanticized view of native peoples, soldiers and frontiersmen. Set in the area of present-day New York and Canada, the tale revolves mainly around the friendship of frontiersman Hawk-Eye (Natty Bumppo, or the Scout) and Delaware Chingachgook. Secondary, yet essential characters are a British Major (Duncan), sisters Cora and Alice, Magua, and the son of Chingachgook, Uncas. Toward the end of the book it becomes clear that Uncas is indeed the Last of the Mohicans.

The first two chapters of this book seem to take forever to read as they are full of flowery descriptions of the native beauty of this rugged area. However, once past the beginning, the book gradually picks up speed. Another impediment is getting used to English as written and spoken in the late 18th-early 19th centuries.

This novel is the result of a dare. The author was acting as a tour guide in New York state to male members of the British nobility when one dared him to write a story involving a particularly spectacular waterfall at which they stopped. The result was this book, written between 1824 and 1826, and published in 1826. I'm glad I read it, but you must be interested in the wars between the French and British on the North American continent, as well as pre-United States history.