What was Defoe famous for?

What was Defoe famous for?

Daniel Defoe is best known as the writer of the novels Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Moll Flanders (1722). During his lifetime he gained fame—and notoriety—for his poems, political pamphlets, and journalism.

Who is Daniel Defoe give a brief summary about his life and his works?

Daniel Defoe (/dɪˈfoʊ/; born Daniel Foe; c. 1660 – ) was an English writer, trader, 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.

What was Daniel Defoe's religious background?

England, in 1685, was ruled by James Stuart, a Catholic, who was strongly anti-Protestant. Defoe was a staunch believer in religious freedom and, during the next three years, he published several pamphlets protesting against the king's policies.

Why did Daniel Defoe change his name?

Daniel Foe, born circa 1660, was the son of James Foe, a London butcher. Daniel later changed his name to Daniel Defoe, wanting to sound more gentlemanly.

Who did Defoe spy for?

Merchant, political agent, bankrupt, journalist, propagandist and spy, Daniel Defoe was a key contributor to the Act of Union between England and Scotland in the 1700s and in fact worked as a spy for the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Harley.

Why did Defoe go to jail?

Daniel Defoe became a merchant and participated in several failing businesses, facing bankruptcy and aggressive creditors. He was also a prolific political pamphleteer which landed him in prison for slander.

Was Defoe a Protestant?

From a young age, Defoe wrote many pamphlets and essays, taking position in the social issues of his day. His occupation - he had a shop in knitting wares - was to be overshadowed by his political and religious (Protestant) engagement..