Daniel Defoe author page

Daniel Defoe biography

Daniel Defoe was an English writer, journalist, and pamphleteer, widely recognised for his contributions to literature in the early eighteenth century. He is best known for his novel Robinson Crusoe, first published in 1719. Defoe’s writing career encompassed a range of genres, including fiction, political tracts, and economic commentary.

Defoe’s early life included work as a merchant and involvement in political and social issues of his time. He wrote extensively on topics such as trade, religion, and politics, often using pamphlets to express his views. His writing style is noted for its realism and attention to detail, qualities that are evident in his novels and journalistic works.

In addition to Robinson Crusoe, Defoe authored several other novels, including Moll Flanders (1722), A Journal of the Plague Year (1722), and Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress (1724). These works are characterised by their exploration of contemporary social issues and their use of first-person narrative.

Defoe’s influence extends beyond fiction; he contributed to the development of the English novel and is regarded as a significant figure in the history of English literature. His novel Robinson Crusoe (1719) remains a widely studied and referenced work.