AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Daniel DeFoe

Daniel DeFoe was an English writer trader, and spy, best known for his novels Moll Flanders and Robinson Crusoe. He was born Daniel Foe, in approximately 1660 in London, England, to James Foe, a butcher, and Annie Foe. While still a child Daniel witnessed the Great Plague of London, the Great Fire of London, and the 1667 Dutch raid on the Medway. His mother died by the time Daniel was ten years old. Daniel was educated at a boarding school in Surrey, and went on to become a trader of various goods. He married and had 8 children. Daniel became William III's close ally and spy and he began publishing works that defended the king. He spent time in prison for his political work and in later life focused on writing.

Daniel Defoe changed his last name from Foe to Defoe because he felt it was a more aristocratic-sounding name.

Daniel Defoe's first literary piece was published as a pamphlet in 1683.

Daniel Defoe's novels include Robinson Crusoe (1719), The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (1719), The King of Pirates (1719), Captain Singleton (1720), Memoirs of a Cavalier (1720), A Journal of the Plague Year (1722), Colonel Jack(1722), Moll Flanders (1722), and Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress (1724).

Daniel Defoe's non-fiction journalism work includes The Storm (1704), The Consolidator (1705), Atlantis Major (1711), The Family Instructor (1715), Memoirs of the Church of Scotland (1717), The History of the Remarkable Life of John Sheppard(1724), A Narrative of all the Robberies, Escapes, & c. of John Sheppard (1724), The Pirate Gow (1725), and several more. His work The Storm is considered by many to be the first great piece of journalism reporting ever written.

It was once believed that the character Robinson Crusoe was based upon the author himself Daniel Defoe. Daniel was approximately 59 years old when Robinson Crusoewas published.

The true inspiration for Robinson Crusoe's character is unknown but some believe it may have been inspired by the Scottish castaway Alexander Selkirk, or Robert Knox, a shipwrecked sailor, or a book written by Ibn Tufail.

Daniel Defoe was often in financial trouble, despite making a good living as a trader, a spy for the king, and a writer. He even spent time in jail for his debts at one point.

Daniel Defoe was sent to prison many times for his political writing in 1713. Some of Daniel Defoe's most popular writing of the time was published in the periodical the Review (1704-1713).

During his writing career Daniel Defoe is believed to have used at least 198 pseudonyms for his published work, which included novels, non-fiction, pamphlets, essays and poems.

Daniel Defoe died on April 24th, 1731. It is believed he was hiding from creditors when he died of a stroke.

Many of Daniel Defoe's characters have been brought to life on screen and on stage. Robinson Crusoe and his adventures being shipwrecked inspired countless other tales and literature.

Some people credit Daniel Defoe as having written the very first English novel.