I’ve been listening to The Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper as read by the volunteers at Librivox.org. Audiobooks and podcasts fill my 45 minute commute twice a day. And I’ve greatly enjoyed listening to the four tales so far.
The main character is known by many names. Born as Nathaniel Bumppo, he is often referred to as Natty Bumppo by those Christian enough to insist upon a Christian name. His best friend, Chingachgook, often calls him “Hawkeye” after the name given by the Delaware tribe for his keen eyesight. In his youth, the frontiersmen and army that hired him to supply food to the outposts called him “The Deerslayer” for his exceptional ability with the rifle. His enemies amongst the Six Nations of the Iroquois called him “La Longue Carabine” for the French description of his fine weapon. The rifle is longer than most and has earned a reputation of its own before Natty gains possession of it and is known as “Kill Deer”. Later, after the American Revolution, as more civilized people start new settlements and move into western New York, the new comers refer to him as “Leatherstocking” for the deer skins he continues to wears into his old age.
