Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe was an English merchant and writer noteworthy as the author of the famous novel Robinson Crusoe.

Defoe was born in London into a family of James Foe, a London butcher and prosperous tallow chandler. After he completed his education on academy at Newington Green, he became a general merchant dealing in various things such as hosiery, general woolen goods and wine. Although his business at one moment grew and he was able to acquire a country estate and a ship, Defoe was largely unfortunate in business management. Moreover, in 1692 Defoe was arrested for debts of £700 and by 1703 he abandoned trade.

In the subsequent period of his life Defoe became focused on writing political works and novels working as journalist. His most famous novels which earned him a prominent place in history of literature are already mentioned Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders.