I just finished reading The Pathfinder (1840) by James Fenimore Cooper. Although it’s the fourth novel Cooper wrote in the Leatherstocking Tales, it is the third in the chronology of the series.

The novel is set around the year 1758, in the midst of the French and Indian War. Pathfinder (known at various times throughout the series as Nathaniel Bumpo, Natty, The Deerslayer, Leatherstocking, La Longue Carabine, and Hawkeye) is working for the British military as a scout and guide in the Great Lakes region of North America. Most of the story takes place in the wilderness—on Lake Ontario, in the nearby rivers, on small islands, and among the forests. Cooper paints a vivid and beautiful picture of the pre-industrial landscape and the peoples who lived there.

The story itself is engaging…full of adventure, friendship, honor, treachery, love, and mystery. The novel explores the emotional and moral character of Pathfinder, and succeeds in portraying a simple yet profound personality. The ending is especially poignant and memorable.

“There is honor in doing what’s right, and unhonor in doing what’s wrong…”