James Fennimore Cooper and Washington Irving
James Fenimore Cooper and Washington Irving were two of the first popular American authors. Both Cooper and Irving wrote about specific American themes. James Fenimore Cooper wrote The Pioneers in 1823 and The Last of the Mohicans in 1826. He is credited with creating the first western hero. The Last of the Mohicans takes place in 1757 during the French and Indian War. During this war, the French and Indians fought against the British, often with tragic results. Washington Irving's had two famous stories. The first is “Rip Van Winkle.” It is story of a man who sleeps for twenty years and wakes up to a very different life. The second is “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” which tells the story of the Headless Horseman. Learn more about both men and their stories below.
Read the Story of Rip Van Winkle
Read the Legend of Sleepy Hollow