The Water-Witch; Or, the Skimmer of the Seas: A Tale: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Water-Witch; Or, the Skimmer of the Seas: A Tale: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Water-Witch; Or, the Skimmer of the Seas: A Tale is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Cooper, James Fenimore (1789–1851).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Water-Witch; Or, the Skimmer of the Seas: A Tale" by James Fenimore Cooper is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of early colonial Americana and explores themes of piracy, moral ambiguity, and the attributes of civilization. The story introduces a range of characters, including the astute Alderman Van Beverout, his niece Alida, and a mysterious mariner whose arrival disrupts their acquaintance with the world of seafaring and adventure. The opening of the novel establishes a vivid setting around the thriving New York harbor and its surroundings in the early 18th century. Through detailed exposition, Cooper provides context for the interplay of European influence and native tradition, alongside the socio-political dynamics of the time. The narrative commences with the Alderman departing his home, accompanied by his slaves, and engages in witty conversation that reveals his character and anxieties over the burgeoning city. The interactions set the stage for the conflicts and connections that will unfold as the Alderman, Alida, and others encounter the enigmatic "Skimmer of the Seas," which foreshadows the adventure and moral complexity that lies ahead.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Water-Witch; Or, the Skimmer of the Seas: A Tale
- Author credits: Cooper, James Fenimore (1789–1851)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Sea stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Adventure
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Historical Novels
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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