James Fenimore Cooper 1789-1854
The Early Years Raised in New York Attended Yale; Dismissed for Pranks Sailor/Officer in U.S. Navy
The Bet Challenged by his wife to write a novel better than the one he was reading.
THE WESTERN Never actually went West. Created the Western novel. Leatherstocking Series Hero—Natty Bumppo Books: The Pioneers The Pathfinder The Prairie The Last of the Mohicans The Deerslayer
Romantic Hero innocent and carefree separate from the masses almost always on some type of journey. idealistic non-conforming well rounded skilled in some fashion able to communicate with all walks of life
Old Fashioned Style Your Assignment: “The Female Sex” “Our Hero” “In the manner that follows…” Your Assignment: Read handout from The Deerslayer; Be prepared for a quiz. (know characters!)