Defoe, daniel 1660-1731, english novelist and journalist, whose work reflects his diverse experiences in many countries and in many walks of life. besides being a brilliant journalist, novelist, and social thinker, defoe was a prolific author, producing more than 500 books, pamphlets, and tracts.
defoe was born in london about 1660, the son of a candle merchant named foe. daniel added de to his name about 1700. he was educated for the presbyterian ministry but decided in 1685 to go into business. he became a hosiery merchant, and his business gave him frequent opportunities to travel throughout western europe.
an opponent of the roman catholic king james ii, in 1685 defoe took an active part in the unsuccessful rebellion led by the duke of monmouth against the king. in 1692 his business went into bankruptcy, but subsequently he acquired control of a tile and brick factory. he obtained a government post in 1695 and the same year wrote an essay upon projects, a remarkably k...