Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe (1660 - 1731) was an English author born in London. He was bred for the Dissenting ministry, however, turned to business, but took chiefly to politics. He was a zealous supporter of William III. His ironical treatise, "The Shortest Way with Dissenters" (1703), which, treated seriously, was burned by order of the House of Commons, led to his imprisonment and exposed him for three days to the pillory, amidst the cheers, however, not the jeers, of the mob. In prison wrote a "Hymn to the Pillory," and started his Review. On his release he was employed on political missions, and wrote a "History of the Union," which he contributed to promote. The closing years of his life were occupied mainly with literary work, and it was then, in 1719, he produced his world-famous "Robinson Crusoe". He has been described as "master of the art of forging a story and imposing it on the world for truth." "His circumstantial invention," as Stopford Brooke remarks, "combined with a style which exactly fits it by its simplicity, is the root of the charm of his great story".

Wisdom & Quotes

• Wherever God erects a house of prayer,

The Devil always builds a chapel there,
And 'twill be found upon examination,
The latter has the largest congregation.
- The True-Born Englishman

• All men would be tyrants if they could.

- The History of the Kentish Petition, addenda

Samuel Wesley

Nearby pages
Daniel Dunglas Home, Daniel Maclise, Daniel Manin, Daniel Neal, Daniel O'Connell