Daniel Defoe

Lore & Background

Daniel Defoe was probably born in Fore Street in the parish of St Giles Cripplegate, London. His birthdate and birthplace are uncertain, with sources offering dates from 1659 to 1662. His father, James Foe, was a prosperous tallow chandler of probable Flemish descent. Defoe later added the aristocratic-sounding 'De' to his name. In his early childhood, he lived through the Great Plague of London (1665), the Great Fire of London (1666), and the Dutch raid on the Medway (1667). He was educated at a dissenting academy at Newington Green. Defoe entered business as a general merchant, dealing in hosiery, woollen goods, and wine, but was rarely out of debt. He married Mary Tuffley in 1684, and the marriage lasted 47 years, producing eight children. He joined the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 but gained a pardon. He became a close ally and secret agent for William III. In 1692, he was arrested for debts and declared bankruptcy. He later ran a tile and brick factory in Tilbury.

Reader's Guide

Defoe's significance lies in his pioneering role in the English novel and his prolific output as a writer. Before the end of 1719, Robinson Crusoe had already run through four editions, and it has gone on to become one of the most widely published books in history, spawning so many imitations that its name defines a genre, the Robinsonade. He also wrote many political tracts, was often in trouble with the authorities, and spent a period in prison. Intellectuals and political leaders paid attention to his fresh ideas and sometimes consulted him. His pamphleteering, including The Shortest-Way with the Dissenters, led to his arrest and placement in a pillory in 1703. After his release, he worked as an intelligence agent for Robert Harley and later for the Whig government. His periodical A Review of the Affairs of France ran three times a week without interruption from 1704 to 1713. As many as 545 titles have been attributed to him, including satirical poems, political and religious pamphlets, and volumes. His work The Storm (1704) is regarded as one of the world's first examples of modern journalism.

Did You Know?

• Defoe added the aristocratic-sounding 'De' to his name and occasionally made the false claim of descent from a family named De Beau Faux.
• The claim that the Great Fire of London left only Defoe's and two other houses standing in his neighbourhood is a legend with no reliable historical evidence; Defoe himself was only about six years old at the time and th
• Defoe was arrested in 1692 for debts of £700 and faced total debts that may have amounted to £17,000.
• His poem Hymn to the Pillory allegedly caused his audience at the pillory to throw flowers instead of harmful objects, though the truth of this story is questioned by most scholars.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Daniel Defoe (13 September 1660 - 24 April 1731), was an English writer, journalist and spy, who gained enduring fame for his novel Robinson Crusoe." — Daniel Defoe "We loved the doctrine for the teacher's sake." — Daniel Defoe "The Character of the Late Dr. S. Annesly (1697)." — Daniel Defoe "Alas the Church of England! What with Popery on one hand, and schismatics on the other, how has she been crucified between two thieves!" — Daniel Defoe