3 Review(s)

The book begins with a discussion of Cooper's early life, including his upbringing in New York and his education at Yale. Lounsbury describes how Cooper’s experiences living on the American frontier influenced his literary imagination and led him to write works that captured the essence of early American life. The biography examines the development of Cooper’s writing career, starting with his debut novel, Precaution, and quickly moving to his more famous works, particularly The Leatherstocking Tales, which include The Last of the Mohicans and The Deerslayer. These novels, with their iconic character Natty Bumppo, are noted for their vivid depictions of the American wilderness and the tensions between settlers and Native Americans.Lounsbury also delves into Cooper’s later years, discussing his controversies with critics and his struggles to balance his literary ambitions with the political and social issues of his time. Cooper's novels not only entertained readers but also dealt with larger questions of American identity, democracy, and the country's relationship with its natural environment. Throughout the biography, Lounsbury presents Cooper as a pioneering figure who helped define what American literature could be, positioning him as a central figure in the "American Men of Letters" series.