Daniel Defoe: Biography, Achievements & Lasting Legacy
Who Was Daniel Defoe?
Daniel Defoe ( c. 1660 – 24 April 1731) was an English writer, journalist, merchant and spy. He is famous for his novels Robinson Crusoe (1719), Moll Flanders (1722) and Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress (1724). He has been seen as one of the earliest proponents of the English novel, and helped to popularise the form in Britain with others such as Aphra Behn and Samuel Richardson.
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 is used to define a genre, the Robinsonade. Defoe 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.
Key Facts
- Born: January 1, 1660 in London, England
- Died: 1731
- Field: Literature
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Daniel Defoe extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped literature and the written word, and his written works and literary innovations remain foundational to this day.
Though he passed away in 1731, his ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
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Take the IQ test →Daniel Defoe remains one of the most celebrated minds to emerge from England, a testament to the rich intellectual heritage of the region.
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