Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Leslie Fiedler, a prominent literary critic, and it offers a critical perspective on the American author James Fenimore Cooper. Fiedler's statement captures his opinion that Cooper was not a true writer, despite his fame and success as an author. Fiedler highlights the fact that Cooper had not engaged in any significant writing until he was 30 years old, suggesting that this late start and lack of prior literary endeavors diminish his status as a writer.

James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) was an influential American novelist known for his historical romances and adventure stories, particularly those set in the early American frontier. His most famous works include "The Last of the Mohicans," "The Deerslayer," and "The Pathfinder." Cooper's writing often depicted the clash between European settlers and Native Americans, exploring themes of wilderness, honor, and the struggle for survival.

Leslie Fiedler (1917–2003) was a literary critic and educator who is best known for his provocative analyses of American literature and culture. Fiedler's work often challenged traditional interpretations and encouraged readers to reconsider established literary figures and texts.

In the quote you've provided, Fiedler's assessment of James Fenimore Cooper raises several thought-provoking questions about the nature of authorship and literary merit. Fiedler's emphasis on Cooper's late start as a writer suggests that, in his view, a true writer should have a long-standing and deeply ingrained commitment to the craft of writing. Fiedler's comment implies that Cooper's lack of early literary output somehow undermines his credibility as a legitimate writer.

Fiedler's statement also invites consideration of the circumstances and motivations that led Cooper to begin writing at a relatively advanced age. While it is true that Cooper did not initially pursue a career as a writer, his experiences and observations as a landowner, diplomat, and traveler likely informed the themes and settings of his later literary works. Furthermore, the timing of Cooper's entry into the literary world may reflect the opportunities and challenges he faced during his lifetime, rather than a lack of genuine writing talent or ambition.

Fiedler's critique of James Fenimore Cooper also encourages reflection on the broader criteria by which we evaluate the legitimacy and significance of an author's body of work. While Fiedler's view may be seen as dismissive of Cooper's accomplishments, it raises important questions about the nature of literary creativity and the ways in which we construct and uphold the canon of literary figures.

In conclusion, Leslie Fiedler's quote about James Fenimore Cooper offers a contentious perspective on the renowned American author, prompting readers to reconsider the conventional criteria for defining a writer and assessing their literary contributions. Fiedler's critique invites us to engage in a nuanced exploration of authorship, creativity, and the cultural contexts that shape our understanding of literary figures. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Fiedler's assessment, his commentary sparks valuable discussions about the complexities of literary merit and the enduring legacy of writers such as James Fenimore Cooper.

I hope this analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the quote and its implications for the evaluation of James Fenimore Cooper's literary legacy.