The Last of the Mohicans Value Guide

This 1919 edition of James Fenimore Cooper's 'The Last of the Mohicans' is a cornerstone of American literature, distinguished by the iconic artwork of N.C. Wyeth. As part of the Leatherstocking Tales, this specific printing is highly collectible due to Wyeth's influential visual interpretation of the frontier narrative.

What affects the value of The Last of the Mohicans?

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket, which can significantly increase the market price beyond the $120 range.
• Overall physical condition, including the preservation of the color plates, lack of foxing, and the tightness of the cloth binding.
• Completeness of the volume, ensuring all N.C. Wyeth illustrations are intact and haven't been removed for individual framing.
• The degree of fading on the spine and cover cloth, as vibrant colors are more desirable to collectors.

How to Identify The Last of the Mohicans?

• Verify the 1919 publication date on the title page or copyright page to ensure it is the first Wyeth-illustrated edition.
• Look for the distinctive cloth binding and the high-quality color plates characteristic of N.C. Wyeth's illustrative style.
• Check for the presence of the original illustrated endpapers and the specific font used in the 1919 Scribner's Illustrated Classics series.
• Confirm the publisher is Charles Scribner's Sons, the primary house for this celebrated edition.

History of The Last of the Mohicans

First published in 1826, 'The Last of the Mohicans' is a historical novel by James Fenimore Cooper. It is one of the most famous historical novels in English literature and was the second book of the Leatherstocking Tales pentalogy. The edition pictured is particularly notable for its illustrations by N.C. Wyeth, a prominent American illustrator and artist. His illustrations for classic literature are highly sought after and have significantly influenced the perception of these stories for generations of readers.