Subject
Delaware Indians -- Fiction Books
Best books
James Fenimore Cooper
The Deerslayer
"The Deerslayer" by James Fenimore Cooper is a novel published in 1841. Set in 1740s upstate New York, it introduces young frontiersman Natty Bumppo on his first warpath. When a friend's home falls under siege by Huron warriors, Deerslayer becomes entangled in conflicts over scalping practices, a daring rescue mission, and family secrets. As violence escalates and loyalties are tested, Deerslayer must navigate the dangerous boundary between European American settlement and Native American territory, facing capture, betrayal, and impossible choices that will define his character.
Charles Brockden Brown
Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker
"Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker" by Charles Brockden Brown is a Gothic novel published in 1799. Set in rural Pennsylvania, it follows Edgar Huntly as he investigates his friend's murder. When he discovers a servant sleepwalking near the crime scene, Huntly begins a dangerous pursuit through the wilderness. But Huntly harbors his own dark secret—he too is a sleepwalker. His nocturnal wanderings lead him to awaken in a pitch-black cave, triggering a harrowing struggle for survival involving hostile encounters and shocking revelations.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Daughter of the Chieftain : the Story of an Indian Girl
"The Daughter of the Chieftain: The Story of an Indian Girl" by Edward S. Ellis is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. This book centers on the life of Alice Ripley, a young girl living in Wyoming Valley during the tumultuous times of the American Revolution, and her interactions with Omas, a Delaware Indian warrior, and his daughter, Linna. Through these characters, the narrative explores themes of friendship and cultural understanding among different communities amidst conflict. The beginning of the story introduces Alice Ripley, a joyful and carefree child playing "Jack Stones" in her home on July 1, 1778. As she enjoys her game, she encounters Omas, a fierce-looking Delaware warrior who is actually an old friend. He shares news of his daughter, Linna, and soon the girls meet, forming a bond despite their different backgrounds. The passage sets the stage for the complexities of their relationships, especially with the underlying tensions of the ongoing war and the precarious situation of settlers in the region, establishing an engaging conflict that promises to unfold as the narrative progresses. Through the lens of childhood innocence intersecting with the realities of colonial strife, the story hints at both the joys of friendship and the lurking dangers that threaten their peace.
Elizabeth H. Gray
Old Ninety-Nine's Cave
"Old Ninety-Nine's Cave" by Elizabeth H. Gray is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the picturesque Shawangunk Mountains, it intertwines local legend with the lives of the De Vere family, particularly focusing on John De Vere, who is faced with financial struggles and the potential sale of his mining claim. Themes of family, tradition, and the intersection between myth and reality appear prominent as the narrative unfolds around the enigmatic figure of Old Ninety-Nine, a native chief with a secret treasure hidden in a cave. The opening of the story introduces the Shawangunk region and establishes a backdrop rich in natural beauty and folklore. The De Vere family is introduced through John, who is navigating challenging times as he considers selling his claim to a mysterious businessman named Mills who has ulterior motives. Additionally, the narrative hints at a local legend surrounding Old Ninety-Nine, whose cave may hold untold riches. As discussions unfold around the potential sale, family dynamics, aspirations, and moral dilemmas take center stage, establishing the tension between financial gain and ancestral heritage that sets the stage for the unfolding plot.
Recently surfaced classics