美国文学产生于19世纪上半叶,詹姆斯?库柏是最早赢得国际声誉的美国作家之一。本文通过对他的生平及其作品的讨论,肯定了他在美利坚民族文学形成过程中的伟大贡献。指出他开创了美国民族文学的新领域,把小说创作与整个时代紧密联系在一起。其作品充满了爱国主义精神和不畏艰险的奋斗精神,充满了对自由的向往和对大自然的热爱。 American literature emerged in the first half of the 19th century. James Cooper was one of the first American writers to win an international reputation. Through the discussion of his life and his works, this article affirms his great contribution to the formation of American national literature. He pointed out that he created a new field of American national literature and closely linked the creation of novels with the whole time. His works are full of patriotism and unshirkable fighting spirit, full of longings for freedom and love of nature.