Daniel Defoe
Daniel Defoe
Daniel Defoe (born Daniel Foe; c. 1660 – 24 April 1731) was an English novelist, journalist, merchant, pamphleteer, and spy. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. Defoe is considered one of the earliest proponents of the English novel and helped to popularize the form in Britain alongside other writers such as Aphra Behn and Samuel Richardson.
Early Life
Daniel Foe was probably born in Fore Street in the parish of St Giles Cripplegate, London. His father, James Foe, was a Nonconformist and a fairly prosperous tallow chandler of Flemish descent. Due to his father's religious beliefs, Defoe was unable to attend traditional schools like Oxford and Cambridge and instead attended a Dissenting academy where he studied science and the humanities, preparing to become a Presbyterian minister.
Career
Merchant and Business Ventures
Defoe began his career as a merchant and trader, dealing in various commodities. He set up his own haberdashery shop in a fashionable section of London. Despite his flair for business, Defoe faced several financial setbacks, including bankruptcy in 1692. He also participated in several failing businesses and faced aggressive creditors.
Political Involvement and Pamphleteering
Defoe was a prolific political pamphleteer, writing many political tracts that often got him into trouble with the authorities. His pamphlet "The Shortest Way with Dissenters" (1702) led to his imprisonment. While in prison, he wrote "Hymn to the Pillory," a mock-Pindaric ode that gained him public sympathy.
Secret Agent
By September 1706, Defoe was ordered by Robert Harley to Edinburgh as a secret agent to help secure acquiescence in the Treaty of Union. His activities as a spy are well-documented, thanks to works like "The Letters of Daniel Defoe."
Literary Contributions
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's most famous work, "Robinson Crusoe," was published in 1719. The novel is considered one of the most widely read and influential novels of all time. It tells the story of a castaway who spends 28 years on a remote tropical island.
Moll Flanders and Other Novels
Defoe is also known for his novels "Moll Flanders" (1722) and "Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress" (1724). These works are notable for their complex characters and detailed depiction of contemporary society.
Journalism and Other Works
Defoe wrote over 500 books, pamphlets, and journals on various topics, including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology, and the supernatural. His "A Journal of the Plague Year" (1722) is a vivid account of the Great Plague of London in 1665.
Personal Life
In 1684, Defoe married Mary Tuffley, and they had eight children, six of whom survived into adulthood. Despite his many ventures, Defoe faced financial difficulties throughout his life and was often pursued by creditors.
Death
Daniel Defoe died on 24 April 1731 and was buried in Bunhill Fields, London.
Influence and Legacy
Defoe is considered one of the founding figures of the English novel and a pioneer of economic journalism. His works have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, cementing his place in literary history.