Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences

Literary reputation gets a sharp cross-examination in Mark Twain's attack on Fenimore Cooper's fiction. Opening with glowing assessments from other critics, Twain answers them with rules for believable characters, useful episodes, natural dialogue and accurate description. His principal example is The Deerslayer, whose forest adventures he tests against practical observation rather than the authority of its admirers.

Broken twigs, hidden tracks and improbable feats of shooting become exhibits in an argument about how stories work. A canal boat episode supplies another test of whether the physical details make sense. Published in 1895, this essay combines literary criticism with comic exaggeration and a combative voice. Readers interested in writing can follow the connection between Twain's jokes and his demands for clear language, consistent conduct and convincing action. It also offers a pointed example of one American writer challenging another's standing.