# Daniel Defoe

> English trader, writer, and journalist (1660–1731)

**Wikidata**: [Q40946](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q40946)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Defoe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/daniel-defoe

## Summary
Daniel Defoe (1660–1731) was an English trader, writer, and journalist best known for his pioneering work in journalism and his influential novels, including *Robinson Crusoe* and *Moll Flanders*. He was a key figure in the development of the modern novel and a significant contributor to early journalism.

## Biography
- Born: 1660 (exact date uncertain)
- Nationality: English
- Education: Not explicitly detailed in source material
- Known for: Pioneering journalism, authoring *Robinson Crusoe* and *Moll Flanders*, and contributing to the development of the modern novel
- Employer(s): Not explicitly listed in source material
- Field(s): Journalism, Fiction, Prose Writing, Children's Literature, Public Relations

## Contributions
Daniel Defoe made significant contributions to literature and journalism:
- *Robinson Crusoe* (1719): A novel that introduced the character Robinson Crusoe, a castaway on a remote island, and became one of the most influential novels in English literature.
- *Moll Flanders* (1722): A semi-autobiographical novel that explores the life of a prostitute and her struggles with morality and society.
- *A Journal of the Plague Year* (1722): A historical novel that describes the Great Plague of London in 1665, providing a detailed account of the plague's impact on society.
- *The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe* (1719): A sequel to *Robinson Crusoe*, continuing the story of the castaway and his interactions with the native islanders.
- *The Life and Adventures of Captain Singleton* (1720): A novel that follows the life of a British naval officer, exploring themes of adventure, love, and war.
- *The Fortunate Mistress and Her Lover* (1720): A novel that tells the story of a woman who marries a man she does not love, leading to a series of misfortunes.
- *The History of the Devil* (1726): A novel that explores the origins and nature of evil, with a focus on the character of the Devil.
- *The Life of the Late Mr. William Damper* (1724): A novel that tells the story of a man who is wrongly accused of murder and seeks revenge on those who wronged him.
- *The Life of Captain Jonathan Wild* (1725): A novel that follows the life of a naval officer, exploring themes of adventure, love, and war.
- *The History of the Heads of a Family* (1724): A novel that tells the story of a family and their struggles with poverty, illness, and death.

## FAQs
**What are Daniel Defoe's most famous works?**
Daniel Defoe's most famous works include *Robinson Crusoe* (1719), *Moll Flanders* (1722), and *A Journal of the Plague Year* (1722). These novels are considered classics of English literature and have been adapted countless times for stage, screen, and television.

**What was Daniel Defoe's role as a journalist?**
Daniel Defoe was a pioneering journalist who collected, wrote, and distributed news and other information. He was one of the first journalists to use the term "journalist" and is considered a key figure in the development of modern journalism.

**What was Daniel Defoe's contribution to literature?**
Daniel Defoe's contribution to literature includes the development of the modern novel and the creation of enduring fictional characters. His works, such as *Robinson Crusoe* and *Moll Flanders*, have had a lasting impact on English literature and popular culture.

**What was Daniel Defoe's influence on the development of the modern novel?**
Daniel Defoe's influence on the development of the modern novel includes the introduction of realistic characters, detailed descriptions of society, and the use of serial publication. His works paved the way for future novelists and shaped the evolution of the novel as a literary form.

## Why They Matter
Daniel Defoe matters because he was a pioneering journalist and a significant contributor to the development of the modern novel. His works, such as *Robinson Crusoe* and *Moll Flanders*, have had a lasting impact on English literature and popular culture. Defoe's innovative use of realistic characters, detailed descriptions of society, and the serial publication format revolutionized the novel and influenced generations of writers. His influence extends beyond literature into journalism, where he is considered a key figure in the development of modern journalism. Defoe's legacy continues to shape the literary and journalistic landscape, inspiring writers and journalists to this day.

## Notable For
- Pioneering journalism and the development of modern journalism
- Authoring *Robinson Crusoe*, one of the most influential novels in English literature
- Creating enduring fictional characters, including Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders
- Contributing to the development of the modern novel through realistic characters and detailed descriptions of society
- Influencing generations of writers and journalists with innovative use of serial publication
- Holding the position of journalist, novelist, prose writer, children's writer, publicist, writer, businessperson, opinion journalist, poet, and publisher

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Daniel Defoe was born in 1660, though the exact date is uncertain. His early life is not explicitly detailed in the source material, but he is known to have been involved in trade and journalism from a young age. Defoe's experiences in trade and journalism shaped his literary career and contributed to his innovative use of realistic characters and detailed descriptions of society in his novels.

### Literary Career and Major Works
Daniel Defoe's literary career spanned several decades, during which he produced an extraordinary body of work. His most famous works include *Robinson Crusoe* (1719), *Moll Flanders* (1722), and *A Journal of the Plague Year* (1722). These novels are considered classics of English literature and have been adapted countless times for stage, screen, and television. Defoe's works, such as *The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe* (1719), *The Life and Adventures of Captain Singleton* (1720), and *The Fortunate Mistress and Her Lover* (1720), continue to be celebrated for their innovative use of realistic characters and detailed descriptions of society.

### Journalism and Public Relations
Daniel Defoe was a pioneering journalist who collected, wrote, and distributed news and other information. He was one of the first journalists to use the term "journalist" and is considered a key figure in the development of modern journalism. Defoe's innovative use of journalism and public relations contributed to the development of the modern novel and shaped the literary and journalistic landscape.

### Influence on Literature and Journalism
Daniel Defoe's influence on literature and journalism extends beyond his major works. His innovative use of realistic characters, detailed descriptions of society, and the serial publication format revolutionized the novel and influenced generations of writers. Defoe's contribution to journalism, including the development of modern journalism and the use of the term "journalist," has had a lasting impact on the field. His legacy continues to shape the literary and journalistic landscape, inspiring writers and journalists to this day.

### Legacy and Influence
Daniel Defoe's legacy continues to shape the literary and journalistic landscape. His works, such as *Robinson Crusoe* and *Moll Flanders*, remain influential in English literature and popular culture. Defoe's innovative use of realistic characters, detailed descriptions of society, and the serial publication format has influenced generations of writers. His contribution to journalism, including the development of modern journalism and the use of the term "journalist," has had a lasting impact on the field. Defoe's legacy continues to inspire writers and journalists to this day.

## References

1. Concise Literary Encyclopedia
2. BnF authorities
3. BeWeB
4. Integrated Authority File
5. The Peerage
6. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
7. LIBRIS. 2017
8. The Fine Art Archive
9. Library of the World's Best Literature
10. Find a Grave
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13. Daniel Defoe. Open Plaques
14. Daniel Defoe. Digital Library for Dutch Literature
15. Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
16. Nationalencyklopedin
17. Encyclopædia Universalis
18. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
19. NooSFere
20. [Geographicus Rare Antique Maps biographical dictionary of cartographers](https://www.geographicus.com/P/RareMaps/defoed)
21. ProDetLit
22. filmportal.de
23. Google Knowledge Graph
24. [Daniel Defoe | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL2728497A/Daniel_Defoe/edit)
25. Virtual International Authority File
26. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Defoe%20Daniel)
27. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
28. [Source](https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/coil001lexi01_01/lvdj00245.php#d021)
29. BBC Things
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31. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
32. Quora
33. NMVW-collection website
34. [The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robindson Crusoe of York, mariner; by Daniel Defoe](https://www.stedelijk.nl/nl/collectie/87763-onbekend-the-life-and-strange-surprising-adventures-of-robindson-crusoe-of-york-mariner-by-daniel-defoe)
35. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
36. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands