The Complete English Tradesman (1839 ed.) Part 2

Daniel Defoe (1661–1731) was an English writer, journalist, and trader, best known as the author of Robinson Crusoe (1719), one of the earliest English novels. Born into a family of dissenters, he engaged in various business ventures but faced frequent financial troubles. He was also a prolific political pamphleteer, often expressing controversial opinions that led to his imprisonment. Defoe’s works reflect his keen interest in economics, politics, and human survival, blending fiction with realism. Besides Robinson Crusoe, his other notable works include Moll Flanders (1722) and A Journal of the Plague Year (1722). His writing style combined adventure with social commentary, influencing the development of the modern novel. Despite his literary success, he struggled with debts throughout his life. His impact on literature remains significant, as he pioneered realistic storytelling and first-person narration, shaping the English novel tradition.