James Fenimore Cooper: Collected Novels (ePub)

James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851) was a preeminent figure in early American literature, most widely recognized for his historical romances that vividly depict frontier and Native American life. Born on September 15, 1789, in Burlington, New Jersey, Cooper was the eleventh child of William Cooper and Elizabeth Fenimore. He was raised in the developing area of Cooperstown, New York, which his father founded. His experiences in the untamed wilderness and his interactions with the local Native Americans profoundly influenced his narrative craft and thematic focus. Cooper attended Yale University but was expelled due to a series of pranks. He subsequently joined the U.S. Navy, which further contributed to the depth of his maritime knowledge expressed in his works.

Cooper's writing career was sparked by a bet with his wife, leading to the creation of his first novel, 'Precaution' (1820). However, it was his second novel, 'The Spy' (1821), that gained him widespread fame. He is best remembered for 'The Leatherstocking Tales', a series of five novels including 'The Last of the Mohicans' (1826), which is considered his masterpiece. Cooper's work is characterized by a detailed depiction of nature, exploration of societal issues, and the use of Natty Bumppo, his quintessential American hero. His prolific output, consisting of more than 30 novels, proved instrumental in shaping the nascent American literary identity and earned him an esteemed place among the American Romantic writers. James Fenimore Cooper's legacy as a key figure in American letters is indisputable, and his narratives continue to resonate with readers and scholars alike.