The Last of the Mohicans. Carey & Lea, 1826

James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851).
The Last of the Mohicans; A Narrative of 1757. By the Author of the Pioneers.
Philadelphia: H.C. Carey & I. Lea, 1826. 2 Volumes.
Call Number: (SPL) PS 1408 .A1 1826
Special Collections, Golda Meir Library

First American edition. Cooper was always closely involved in the details of publication. His previous titles had been published by Charles Wiley, who died in 1826. He then signed and agreement with Philadelphia publisher Carey & Lea, and remained with them for 17 years. Carey & Lea doubtless contributed to the brisk sales of the work, as they had a virtual monopoly in the book trade on the interior and the South. They later complained that Cooper squandered his talent publishing personal propaganda, but continued to publish everything he wrote, often at a loss.