Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences
Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences, published in 1895, is Mark Twain's demolition of The Deerslayer and of the reputation of James Fenimore Cooper, then still regarded as the first great American novelist. Twain lays down eighteen rules governing literary art in the domain of romantic fiction and finds that Cooper violates all but one of them, then goes through the famous episode of the ark on the river with a tape measure, showing that the boat is too long, the stream too narrow and the Indians' leaps impossible. The essay is unfair, hilarious and still the best short lesson in how not to write a novel; it is also a manifesto for the plain style Twain practiced. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
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Frequently asked questions about Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences
Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences by Mark Twain can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences online?
Yes. Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences in the public domain?
Yes. Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences by Mark Twain is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences?
About 20 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences?
Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences by Mark Twain is filed under "Essays & Letters" in the Vinteuil library.
