Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe (c. 1660–1731) was an English writer, journalist, and merchant, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the English novel. Born in London, Defoe lived a varied life that included business ventures, political involvement, and extensive writing. He is best known for works such as Robinson Crusoe, which combined realistic detail with imaginative storytelling, helping to establish a new form of narrative fiction grounded in individual experience and survival.

Defoe’s impact on the literary world is both foundational and far-reaching. He helped shape the early novel by emphasizing realism, first-person narration, and detailed depictions of everyday life. His works explored themes of self-reliance, morality, and economic struggle, reflecting the emerging modern world of trade and individualism. Today, Defoe is recognized as a key figure in the development of prose fiction, influencing countless authors and contributing to the evolution of the novel as a dominant literary form.