Author. He attended Morton's Academy, a school for Dissenters at Newington Green with the intention of becoming a minister, but he changed his mind and became a hosiery merchant instead. In 1685 Defoe took part in the Monmouth Rebellion and joined William III and his advancing army. Defoe became popular after the publication of his poem, "The True Born Englishman" (1701). The publication of Defoe's "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters" (1702) upset a large number of powerful people. In the pamphlet, Defoe, a Dissenter, ironically demanded the savage suppression of dissent. The pamphlet was judged to be critical of the Anglican Church and Defoe was fined, put in the Charing Cross Pillory and then sent to Newgate Prison. In 1703 Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford, employed Defoe as a spy. With the support of the government, Defoe started the newspaper, "The Review." Published between 1704 and 1713, the newspaper appeared three times a week. As well as carrying commercial advertising "The Review" reported on political and social issues. Defoe also wrote several pamphlets for Harley attacking the political opposition. The Whigs took Defoe court and this resulted in him serving another prison sentence. In 1719 he turned to writing fiction. His novels include: "Robinson Crusoe" (1719), "Captain Singleton" (1720), "Journal of the Plague Year" (1722), "Captain Jack" (1722), "Moll Flanders" (1722) and "Roxanda" (1724). He also wrote a three volume travel book "Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain" (1724-27). Other non-fiction books include "The Complete English Tradesman" (1726) and "London the Most Flourishing City in the Universe" (1728). Defoe published over 560 books and pamphlets and is considered to be the founder of British journalism.
Author. He attended Morton's Academy, a school for Dissenters at Newington Green with the intention of becoming a minister, but he changed his mind and became a hosiery merchant instead. In 1685 Defoe took part in the Monmouth Rebellion and joined William III and his advancing army. Defoe became popular after the publication of his poem, "The True Born Englishman" (1701). The publication of Defoe's "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters" (1702) upset a large number of powerful people. In the pamphlet, Defoe, a Dissenter, ironically demanded the savage suppression of dissent. The pamphlet was judged to be critical of the Anglican Church and Defoe was fined, put in the Charing Cross Pillory and then sent to Newgate Prison. In 1703 Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford, employed Defoe as a spy. With the support of the government, Defoe started the newspaper, "The Review." Published between 1704 and 1713, the newspaper appeared three times a week. As well as carrying commercial advertising "The Review" reported on political and social issues. Defoe also wrote several pamphlets for Harley attacking the political opposition. The Whigs took Defoe court and this resulted in him serving another prison sentence. In 1719 he turned to writing fiction. His novels include: "Robinson Crusoe" (1719), "Captain Singleton" (1720), "Journal of the Plague Year" (1722), "Captain Jack" (1722), "Moll Flanders" (1722) and "Roxanda" (1724). He also wrote a three volume travel book "Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain" (1724-27). Other non-fiction books include "The Complete English Tradesman" (1726) and "London the Most Flourishing City in the Universe" (1728). Defoe published over 560 books and pamphlets and is considered to be the founder of British journalism.
Bio by: Jelena
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