Daniel Defoe: His Life

Paula R. Backscheider's biography reconstructs Daniel Defoe's life through extensive research and examination of historical documents. Her work follows Defoe from his early years through his careers as a merchant, political writer, spy, and novelist. The book explores Defoe's involvement in major historical events of late 17th and early 18th century England, including political upheavals, economic crises, and social changes. Backscheider documents his relationships with powerful figures, his time in prison, and the development of his writing career. The narrative traces how Defoe's experiences influenced his literary works, particularly his novels Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders. The biography details his prolific output as a writer across multiple genres, from journalism to fiction. This biography presents Defoe as a complex figure whose life reflects the turbulent nature of his era and reveals the connections between personal experience and artistic creation. Through his story, readers gain insight into the birth of the English novel and the intersection of literature, politics, and commerce in 18th-century Britain.

Readers describe this biography as thorough and well-researched, with deep coverage of Defoe's political activities and journalism career. Multiple reviews highlight Backscheider's ability to reconstruct Defoe's complex business dealings and political maneuverings. Readers praised: - Detailed primary source research - Coverage of Defoe's spy work and intelligence activities - Clear explanations of 18th century politics and culture Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Too much focus on politics vs literary works - Limited discussion of Defoe's novels and fiction Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) Several academic reviewers noted the book serves better as a reference text than a readable biography. One Goodreads reviewer commented: "Exhaustively researched but exhausting to read." Multiple readers mentioned skimming the political sections to get to discussions of Defoe's writing career.

The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell This biography details the life of 18th-century England's literary figure through personal observations and conversations, offering insights into the period's intellectual and social circles that intersected with Defoe's era.

Jonathan Swift: His Life and His World by Leo Damrosch The biography traces Swift's path through political upheavals and literary achievements in early 18th-century Britain, illuminating the world Defoe inhabited and wrote about.

A Gambling Man: Charles II's Restoration Game by Jenny Uglow This account of Charles II's reign provides context for the political and social environment that shaped Defoe's early years and writing career.

London Life in the Eighteenth Century by M. Dorothy George This social history examines the London that Defoe knew and wrote about, from its commerce and crime to its coffee houses and literary circles.

The Rise of the Novel by Ian Watt This study explores how Defoe and his contemporaries developed the novel form, placing his work in the context of 18th-century literary innovation.

🔖 Paula R. Backscheider spent 20 years researching and writing this biography, which is considered the definitive work on Daniel Defoe's life. 📚 The book reveals that Defoe worked as a spy for the British government while simultaneously writing some of his most famous works, including "Robinson Crusoe." ✍️ Backscheider discovered that many of Defoe's business ventures failed because he was often ahead of his time - including attempts to raise diving bells for treasure and establish insurance companies. 🏰 The biography details how Defoe spent time in Newgate Prison for seditious libel, an experience that later influenced his writing and political views. 📖 Through extensive archival research, Backscheider uncovered that Defoe wrote under at least 198 different pen names throughout his career as a journalist and author.