Daniel Defoe
- Born:
- c. 1660, London, England
- Died:
- April 24, 1731, London, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Journalist, Pamphleteer, Trader, Spy
Early Life and Education
- Born Daniel Foe (later changed to Defoe) in London, to James Foe, a tallow chandler.
- Educated at the Rev. James Fisher's dissenting academy in Stoke Newington.
- His nonconformist upbringing influenced his political and religious views.
Career and Major Achievements
- Engaged in various business ventures, including hosiery, brick-making, and wine trading, often with limited success.
- Became involved in politics, writing pamphlets supporting William III and later Queen Anne.
- His satirical pamphlet, "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters," led to his arrest, trial, and imprisonment in 1703.
- While imprisoned, he began writing "The Review," a periodical covering politics, trade, and manners.
- Worked as a secret agent for Robert Harley, the Earl of Oxford, writing propaganda and gathering intelligence.
Notable Works
- Robinson Crusoe (1719)
- Captain Singleton (1720)
- Moll Flanders (1722)
- Colonel Jack (1722)
- Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress (1724)
- A Journal of the Plague Year (1722)
- The Shortest Way with the Dissenters (1702)
Legacy and Impact
Daniel Defoe is considered one of the founders of the English novel. His works are known for their realism, detailed descriptions, and focus on individual experience. This Daniel Defoe biography in english serves to highlight his significant contributions to literature and journalism. He had a profound influence on the development of prose fiction and remains a widely read author today.