Career, biography and origin of Daniel Defoe

The date of birth of the famous Daniel Defoe is September 10, 1660.

Daniel Defoe was an 18th-century British writer and politician, famous for his literary works and political involvement. Born in 1660 in London, Defoe first became known for his famous epistolary novel “Robinson Crusoe” (1719), considered one of the first modern English novels. This fictional adventure story, based on the true story of a shipwrecked man, captivated audiences of the time with its realistic and immersive storytelling. Defoe also wrote other notable works, including “Moll Flanders” (1722), a novel about a female criminal. Outside of his literary career, Defoe also played an influential role in British politics, particularly as a pamphleteer and civil rights advocate. His political writings, such as “Letters on Subjects of Public Concern” (1719), were controversial and won him both admirers and detractors. Daniel Defoe’s talented and committed writing, as well as his audacity in expressing his opinions, contributed to his fame and his status as an essential personality of the time.

Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) was a famous British writer, best known for his iconic novel, “Robinson Crusoe.” He is considered one of the pioneers of realistic fiction and his work has had a lasting influence on English literature. Born into a modest family, Defoe led a tumultuous life and worked in various professions before finding his vocation in writing. In addition to “Robinson Crusoe”, he wrote many other novels, such as “Moll Flanders” and “Roxana”, which explore themes of morality, identity and society of the time. Besides his writing career, Defoe was also an influential journalist and political pamphleteer. 

He often expressed his controversial opinions through satirical and engaged writings, sometimes arousing controversy and hostility from the authorities. Defoe was imprisoned several times for his political writings, but this did not stop him from continuing to write and publish. Daniel Defoe is today considered a master of narration and a precursor of the modern novel. His realistic, down-to-earth style, along with his complex characters and compelling stories, have captivated readers around the world. His influence on English literature is undeniable, and his work continues to be studied and appreciated for its relevance and depth.

Daniel Defoe, famous English writer and journalist, was born around 1660 in London. His genealogy dates back to the early years of the 17th century, with his father, James Foe, a brewer from Cripplegate, and his mother, Annie Defoe, from a Protestant family. The Defoe family’s origins appear to stretch back several generations in England, with strong roots in the urban middle class. Daniel Defoe also claimed Huguenot ancestry, which would have influenced his attachment to religion. 

In 1683 he married Mary Tuffley, a girl of aristocratic origins, with whom he already had several children. The couple had eight children in total, including three sons who followed in their father’s footsteps in the literary field. The genealogy of Daniel Defoe testifies to a family active and engaged in the affairs of the city of London, as well as a strong intellectual tradition. His descendants will perpetuate his cultural and literary legacy, also contributing to the British literary scene.