Who were the first three American novelist of major literary statue in early nineteenth century?

It's tricky to pinpoint the *exact* first three American novelists of major literary stature in the early 19th century, as literary reputation is subjective and evolves over time. However, some of the most prominent and influential writers of that era include:

* James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851): Known for his historical romances and adventure novels, particularly the "Leatherstocking Tales" featuring the iconic frontiersman Natty Bumppo. He's often considered the first truly American novelist.

* Washington Irving (1783-1859): Famous for his short stories, especially "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." He was also a historian and essayist, pioneering a distinctly American style of writing.

* Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864): Author of seminal works like "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables." His novels explore themes of sin, guilt, and the darker aspects of human nature, often set in colonial New England.

Other notable novelists of the early 19th century:

* William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878): A poet known for his nature poetry and his influence on American Romanticism.

* Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849): A master of horror and mystery, who profoundly impacted the development of the short story genre.

* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882): A popular poet known for his narrative poems, including "Evangeline" and "The Song of Hiawatha."

Remember that this is just a starting point, and there were many other talented writers contributing to American literature in the early 19th century. The "major literary statue" is always in flux, depending on critical interpretations and changing literary tastes.