Life, love and literature

James Fenimore Cooper was the first American to write something that was uniquely American, not just a pale imitation of English authors. His Leatherstocking Tales brought this relatively new world to the eyes and ears of readers who had little knowledge of native Americans! Cooper’s Natty Bumpo and Chingachgook have been kept alive by abridging the novels for young people because it can be difficult reading and by movies, especially THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. That is an amazing movie that is so beautifully done with the scenery, the soundtrack and the characters who brought the story to life. It is one of my favorite movies. Mark Twain read Cooper’s works. He wrote a critical analysis that is one of the funniest essays I have ever read! Twain calls it as he sees it, and it is not very kind to poor Fenimore! I cannot dare to do the essay justice by just retelling what he said! It basically pokes fun at Cooper’s literary offenses. That’s Twain’s phrase. The essay is titled “Fenimore Cooper’s Literary Offenses! I hope you can take the time to find it and read it! It will make your day and teach you to be a careful craftsman should you choose to write a novel!