Daniel Defoe was a prolific English writer who lived from around 1660 to 1731. Here's a look at his multifaceted career:
Literary Giant: Defoe is most famous for his novels, particularly Robinson Crusoe (1719), a timeless tale of survival on a deserted island. This work is considered one of the first true English novels and is still widely read today Britannica.
Political Provocateur: Defoe was a prolific writer of pamphlets and essays on political and social issues. He wasn't afraid to challenge authority, and his writings often landed him in hot water. He was even imprisoned for a time for satirizing the government Wikipedia.
Journalistic Pioneer: Defoe is considered an early pioneer of journalism. He wrote news articles and even created fake news accounts, blurring the lines between fact and fiction for entertainment purposes Britannica.
Beyond Novels: While Robinson Crusoe is his most famous work, Defoe wrote many other novels, including Moll Flanders (1722) and A Journal of the Plague Year (1722). He also wrote non-fiction works on a variety of topics Poetry Foundation.
Legacy of Innovation: Defoe's work helped shape the development of the English novel and journalism. His willingness to tackle controversial subjects continues to influence writers today.