Daniel Defoe: His Life

Throughout one of English history's most tumultuous periods, Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) took part in and reported on nearly every major political, religious, and social controversy. This widely acclaimed biography offers a fascinating account of Defoe's remarkable life. Paula Backscheider reveals new information about Defoe's secret career as a double agent, his daring business ventures, his dangerous pen—and his cat-and-mouse games with those who sought to control it. This is the definitive biography of one of eighteenth-century England's most influential figures—and one of the most prolific and widely read authors of all time

The Johns Hopkins University Press

Throughout one of English history's most tumultuous periods, Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) took part in and reported on nearly every major political, religious, and social controversy. This widely acclaimed biography offers a fascinating account of Defoe's remarkable life. Paula Backscheider reveals new information about Defoe's secret career as a double agent, his daring business ventures, his dangerous pen — and his cat-and-mouse games with those who sought to control it. This is the definitive biography of one of eighteenth-century England's most influential figures — and one of the most prolific and widely read authors of all time

Library Journal

Charles Gildon has Defoe say of Robinson Crusoe, ``I drew thee from the consideration of my own Mind; I have been all my Life that Rambling Inconsistent Creature, which I have made thee.'' Backscheider reveals how right Gildon was, showing ``a man struggling to reconcile conflicting loyalties and competing strategies'' but always trying to be useful, well thought of, and rich, a loyal Dissenter though he may have been excommunicated. Multifaceted and multitalented--journalist, merchant, novelist, spy--Defoe emerges as complex yet comprehensible. The work also paints a clear picture of Defoe's political, social, and economic milieu. The first full-length biography of Defoe in 30 years, this well-written, well-illustrated book is a necessary addition to all collections.-- Joseph Rosenblum, Univ. of North Carolina, Greensboro

Paula Backscheider is the Philpott-Stevens Eminent Scholar in the Department of English at Auburn University. She is the author of several books, including Revising Women: Eighteenth-Century "Women's Fiction" and Social Engagement and Eighteenth-Century Women Poets and Their Poetry, both published by Johns Hopkins.