James Fenimore Cooper | Biography, Books and Facts

On September 14, 1851, James Fenimore Cooper, American author, died at the age of 61. An excerpt from the article:

"It was a wager placed by his wife that had him writing his first novel, Precaution. He anonymously published the novel in 1820. It is inspired by Jane Austen’s approach to fiction concerning morals and manners. Following the publication of his first novel, he wrote several others. In the Leatherstocking series he produced the first novel, titled The Pioneers, in 1823. It was a historical novel set at the frontier of New York State. The novel featured a resourceful American woodsman, Natty Bumppo. Cooper focused on the environmental issues and conservation in the evolving New York, transforming from wilderness to civilized communities.

1826 was marked as the successful year for Cooper as he published his key work, The Last of the Mohicans. It is considered to be one of the most widely read book in America during nineteenth century. It was the second installment in the Leatherstocking Tales featuring Natty Bumppo’s character. The story was set during the French and Indian War which was fought between France and Britain to rule North America. It had been criticized for its formal prose style and length. However, the years to come brought it huge fame and appreciation and till now it is widely read and has been adapted for big and small screen."