Cooper decided to become a writer, but the explanations for this decision are still not clear. Prior to the age of thirty, Cooper had never composed a serious work of literature; according to some sources, he regarded even the writing of letters as an onerous task. One reason for his decision may, of course, be his financial position, although a lack of money and the attendant need to earn it do not give one the ability to write. However, one reason for his decision is often mentioned: Cooper, reading a mediocre English romance, said casually to his wife that he could write a better book, and she challenged him to do so. In 1820, Cooper published Precaution, a romance in imitation of the popular books of Jane Austen, with a background of English drawing room conversations and gossip. But Precaution won Cooper little praise from critics or the public.
Despite his failure to produce a worthwhile novel, Cooper was not discouraged; he found a genuine pleasure in writing. He turned to the sources he knew intimately: the sea, and his own country. In 1821, Cooper published The Spy, critically acclaimed as the first important historical novel in American literature. Cooper described the adventures of a romantic hero, Harvey Birch, during the American Revolution around Westchester County. The successful utilization in this book of romantic and American elements established Cooper as a promising writer, and he exploited his winning formula by writing two more books in 1823. The Pilot is the first American novel worthy of the classification of sea fiction, and Cooper made excellent use of his nautical training and experiences. He allegedly intended to improve upon Sir Walter Scott's popular success, The Pirate, and he succeeded. Cooper even became accepted in literary circles as "the American Scott." In that same year, he wrote The Pioneers, the first of the five published "Leatherstocking Tales," which use the character of Natty Bumppo as the central figure.
