The Deerslayer (1841) is the last of the Leatherstocking Tales, but the first in the development of the hero Natty Bumppo. This novel marks Cooper's return to historical romance after more than a decade given largely to social and political commentary. This edition provides the authoritative text of the novel and prefaces to The Deerslayer (1841 and 1850) and to the Leatherstocking Tales (1850).