Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe , born Daniel Foe, was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer and spy. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. 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. Defoe wrote many political tracts and 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 with him.

• Study Guide: Moll Flanders

  As a novel set in the early 1600s, Moll suffers a life of misfortune after her mother is sentenced to death, and her first husband dies. Moreover, she makes a way for herself and her children through lies and deceit as Defoe portrays an unconventional life in the 1600s for an unusual woman.