from Europe before they could venture to express an opinion which they
had the presumption to call their own. Contemporary newspapers more
than once mention the relief that was afforded to many when Cooper was
spoken of in several of the English journals as "a distinguished
American novelist." This, it has been implied, was then a condition of
the public mind that no writer could dare wholly to disregard. When
the project of abandoning this novel, already half printed, was under
discussion, the principal reason that finally decided the author (p. 035)
to persevere was the fact that his previous work had received a respectful
notice in a few English periodicals. It was thought, in consequence,
that in his new venture he would be secure from loss. Still, it is due
to his countrymen to say that it was to them alone he owed his first
success. In later years the declaration was often made that he would
never have been held in honor at home, had it not been for foreign
approbation. The assertion he himself indignantly denied. "This work,"
he said afterward, in speaking of "The Spy," "most of you received
with a generous welcome that might have satisfied any one that the
heart of this great community is sound." Certain it is that the
success of the novel was assured in America some time before the
character of its reception in Europe was known.

The printed volume was offered to the London publisher Murray, and for
terms he was referred to Irving, who was then in England. Murray gave
the novel for examination to Gifford, the editor of the "Quarterly."
By his advice it was declined,--a result that might easily have been
foretold from the hostility of the man to this country. He had made
his review an organ of the most persistent depreciation and abuse of
America and everything American. A new writer from this side of the
ocean was little likely to meet with any favor in his sight, especially
when his subject was one that from its very nature could not be
flattering to British prejudices. Murray having refused, another
publisher was found in Miller, who had also been the first to bring
out Irving's "Sketch Book." Early in 1822 the work appeared in England.
There its success was full as great as it had been in America. This novel,
in fact, made Cooper's reputation both at home and abroad. It is (p. 036)
important to bear this in mind, because it is a common notion that it
was his delineations of Indian life that brought him h