Precaution

Precaution is a novel written by James Fenimore Cooper, first published in 1820. It tells the story of two sisters, Emily and Cecilia, who are sent by their wealthy father to England to find husbands. Emily is the more sensible and practical of the two, while Cecilia is more interested in fashion and society. As they navigate the social scene in England, the sisters encounter a number of suitors, including the wealthy and arrogant Mr. Marston, the kind and honorable Mr. Hazlehurst, and the mysterious and brooding Mr. Ives. Emily and Mr. Hazlehurst develop a mutual attraction, but their romance is threatened by the interference of Mr. Marston and the disapproval of Emily's father. Throughout the novel, Cooper explores themes of social class, gender roles, and the importance of individual character over superficial qualities such as wealth and status. He also critiques the rigid social norms of early 19th-century England, particularly the pressure on women to marry for financial security rather than love. While Precaution was not a commercial success at the time of its publication, it laid the groundwork for Cooper's later, more famous works such as The Last of the Mohicans and The Deerslayer. It is now considered an important early example of American literature and a valuable insight into the cultural and social context of the time.Looks of a singular import were exchanged between Colonel Egerton and Sir Herbert Nicholson, at the mention of Denbigh's name; which, as the latter had just asked the favor of taking wine with Mrs. Wilson, did not escape her notice. Emily had innocently mentioned his precipitate retreat the night before; and he had, when reminded of his engagement to dine with them that very day, and promised an introduction to Sir Herbert Nicholson by John, in her presence, suddenly excused himself and withdrawn. With an indefinite suspicion of something wrong, she ventured, therefore, to address Sir Herbert Nicholson.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.