Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences
Twain argues nothing should be 'good enough'; Luddy argues knowing when to stop editing IS the skill.
Systematically demolishes Cooper's writing; counts 114 literary offenses in a single passage; the funniest piece of literary criticism ever written
The most entertaining book review in English. Twain doesn't just dislike Cooper; he proves Cooper can't write, mathematically.
Key themes: Writing craft, criticism as comedy, literary standards, precision, takedown art