
The Pilot
- First published
- 1823
- Reading level
- Fairly demanding
- Price
- Free
About the book
"The Pilot: A Tale of the Sea" by James Fenimore Cooper is a historical novel published in 1824. Set during the American Revolution, it follows a mysterious naval pilot—the legendary John Paul Jones—as he leads Continental Navy missions along England's treacherous coastline. His true identity and loyalties remain shrouded in secrecy as battles, betrayals, and daring sea chases unfold. Romance intertwines with warfare through characters caught between love and duty. Often considered the first American nautical novel, this adventure classic blends authentic maritime detail with Revolutionary War intrigue.
- Historical fiction
- Sea stories
- War stories
- United States
Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #7974. The Pilot on Wikipedia.











