James Fenimore Cooper was an American writer of the first half of the 19th century, known for his historical romances that depict colonial and indigenous characters spanning from the 17th to the 19th centuries. His narratives brought him both fame and fortune, with a significant portion of his life spent in Cooperstown, New York, a town founded by his father, William Cooper.

Cooper's early years were marked by education at Yale University, where he was a member of the Linonian Society. His academic journey, however, was cut short due to expulsion for inappropriate conduct. This setback did not deter him; instead, it paved the way for a career in the U.S. Navy as a midshipman. This experience greatly influenced his later writings, particularly his sea stories.

His literary career took off with the publication of The Spy, a tale of espionage set during the American Revolutionary War, in 1821. This was followed by a series of sea stories and the renowned Leatherstocking Tales—a collection of five historical novels featuring the iconic American frontier scout, Natty Bumppo. Among these, The Last of the Mohicans stands out as his masterpiece, often regarded as one of the greatest American novels.

In addition to his novels, Cooper was a prolific writer of political, social, and historical non-fiction, aiming to counter European prejudices and promote an original American culture and art. His contributions to American literature have left an indelible mark on the narrative of the nation's early years.