Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Signet Classics (1964), Paperback, 448 pages
Description
Classic Literature. Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML: New York-based author James Fenimore Cooper was an important cultural figure who contributed significantly to the development of a uniquely American voice in literature, one imbued with a keen appreciation for the mysteries of the natural world. The Pioneers is part of Cooper's sweeping Leatherstocking Tales series that delves into history of the young United States and its frontier spirit, much of which is seen from the perspective of quintessential pioneer Natty Bumppo..
User reviews
LibraryThing member stuart10er
Set in 1793 in a fictional Cooperstown, NY, it tells the story of Judge Marmeduke Temple. Started off slow and didn't really go anywhere - but an interesting portrayal of life in upstate NY in 1790 as this was the frontier at that time.
LibraryThing member Lukerik
This must surely be one of the worst novels ever written. Check this out from the beginning of chapter 29:
“When Marmaduke Temple and his cousin rode through the gate of the former, the heart of the father had been too recently touched with the best feeling of our nature, to leave inclination for
Now that doesn't happen by accident, does it? He's written that on purpose and published it because he thinks it's good. Frightening. I read it to my mum and she got really angry on my behalf and asked why I didn't stop reading. Unfortunately I've started the series so now I have to finish. I could quote any number of passages which are equally bad or worse. A particular low point is the conversation between Richard and Agamemnon in chapter 32. I'll not quote that because I don't want anything so racist showing up under my name.
To put things in perspective, this is the best of the Leatherstocking series so far. The earlier novels suffered from their attempts to be adventure stories. Every time they build up to action you live in hope, only again and again to be subjected to frustration and disappointment by Cooper's determined incompetence. That doesn't happen here because not only does nothing happen, nothing ever looks like it's about to happen. What you're left with is deep, utter and complete boredom. It will seem like there's no end to it, but I promise you there is: I experienced the end earlier today and am currently basking in the glow that follows it.
This Everyman editions a nice one, with a sensible introduction that as much as admits that the book is a piece of shit, and in place of notes (which you don't really need), you have a selection of Cooper related criticism.
“When Marmaduke Temple and his cousin rode through the gate of the former, the heart of the father had been too recently touched with the best feeling of our nature, to leave inclination for
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immediate discourse.”Now that doesn't happen by accident, does it? He's written that on purpose and published it because he thinks it's good. Frightening. I read it to my mum and she got really angry on my behalf and asked why I didn't stop reading. Unfortunately I've started the series so now I have to finish. I could quote any number of passages which are equally bad or worse. A particular low point is the conversation between Richard and Agamemnon in chapter 32. I'll not quote that because I don't want anything so racist showing up under my name.
To put things in perspective, this is the best of the Leatherstocking series so far. The earlier novels suffered from their attempts to be adventure stories. Every time they build up to action you live in hope, only again and again to be subjected to frustration and disappointment by Cooper's determined incompetence. That doesn't happen here because not only does nothing happen, nothing ever looks like it's about to happen. What you're left with is deep, utter and complete boredom. It will seem like there's no end to it, but I promise you there is: I experienced the end earlier today and am currently basking in the glow that follows it.
This Everyman editions a nice one, with a sensible introduction that as much as admits that the book is a piece of shit, and in place of notes (which you don't really need), you have a selection of Cooper related criticism.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rayub
Long and laborious reading. The plots were vague.
This is more of a narrative of how life was in early settlements of the frontier.
This is more of a narrative of how life was in early settlements of the frontier.
LibraryThing member vdt_melbourne
Read the first few chapters. Difficult to read and I love Russian lit. It would make a great fire starter. However I gave it to a free library. Hold I don’t get bad karma for that.
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1823
Physical description
448 p.; 6.91 inches
ISBN
0451525213 / 9780451525215