Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) was an English writer, journalist, and pamphleteer, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the development of the novel, notably with his masterpiece, "Robinson Crusoe" in 1719. Born into a family of Dissenters, Defoe was educated at a Dissenting academy and possessed a keen interest in politics and trade, which influenced his writing. Throughout his life, he was a prolific author, producing over 500 books, pamphlets, and journals across diverse subjects, including economics, crime, religion, and psychology. Defoe’s dynamic and detailed narratives laid the groundwork for realistic fiction, earning him a lasting legacy in English literature.