Miles Wallingford

by James Fenimore Cooper 2 books in this series

The two Miles Wallingford novels follow a young New York landowner from his first decision to go to sea into adult command, commercial responsibility and domestic life. Afloat and Ashore sends Miles into merchant service and the wider Atlantic world; Miles Wallingford continues his voyages while bringing the consequences of trade, debt, inheritance and love back to Clawbonny.

Together the books connect Cooper’s sea fiction with the social history of the early United States. Seamanship gives Miles independence and practical authority, but the sequence repeatedly returns him to property, family obligation and Lucy Hardinge, asking whether a life formed by movement can be reconciled with the responsibilities of home.

Reading order

Books in this series (2 books)

1. Afloat and Ashore

James Fenimore Cooper

First published 1844

3.6(82)

Miles Wallingford leaves the New York family estate of Clawbonny for a life at sea and enters merchant service at a time when the young United States depends heavily on Atlantic commerce. Voyages, shipboard hierarchy and encounters in foreign ports turn his departure from home into…

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2. Miles Wallingford

James Fenimore Cooper

First published 1844

3.2(30)

Miles Wallingford continues the life of Cooper’s young merchant seaman as voyages abroad are matched by growing responsibilities at home. Commercial hazards, losses and the changing fortunes of Clawbonny force Miles to measure success by more than command at sea, while his relationship with Lucy Hardinge…

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