The American historical novel (on American themes) before 1860 : $b the early novels of James Fenimore Cooper (1821-1831)

"The American Historical Novel (on American themes) before 1860: The Early Novels of James Fenimore Cooper (1821–1831)" by Ernest Erwin Leisy is an exploration of James Fenimore Cooper's influence on early American literature. This critical analysis highlights Cooper's pivotal role in defining the American historical novel, primarily through his works set during the Revolutionary War and the era of westward expansion. Leisy emphasizes Cooper's storytelling techniques, character development, and thematic focus on American identity, particularly in works such as "The Spy," "The Pioneers," and "The Last of the Mohicans." The book illustrates how Cooper's depiction of conflicts faced by settlers and Native Americans, along with his rich portrayals of the American frontier, shaped the landscape of American fiction and established a foundation for future generations of historical novelists.