Daniel Defoe 
Atalantis Major 

Daniel Defoe’s ‘Atalantis Major’ is a fascinating exploration of a utopian society located on an uncharted island in the Atlantic Ocean. Written in a satirical and speculative style, the book delves into themes of political philosophy, social criticism, and colonialism. Defoe’s literary style captivates readers with its vivid imagery and thought-provoking narrative that challenges the existing societal norms of the time. The book falls within the genre of utopian fiction, a popular literary form during the 18th century, and offers a unique perspective on the possibility of an ideal society. Defoe’s ‘Atalantis Major’ is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today for its insightful commentary on human nature and societal structures. Scholars often praise Defoe for his innovative approach to storytelling and his ability to provoke critical thinking in his audience. This book is recommended for readers interested in exploring thought-provoking social commentary and engaging with classic works of speculative fiction.

A propos de l’auteur

Daniel Defoe (circa 1660 – 1731) was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer, and spy, now most famous for his novel ‘Robinson Crusoe’ (1719). A prolific and versatile writer, Defoe penned over 300 works on diverse topics including crime, religion, politics, and the supernatural. His work in the English novel and indeed the development of the novel in Europe is considerable, with his narrative style marrying fact and fiction in a novelistic historical realism. ‘Atalantis Major’ is a lesser-known work by Defoe, which showcases his interest in politics and satire. Defoe’s literary style often embraced the first-person narrative to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy, a technique that he applied with great success in ‘Robinson Crusoe’. Also remarkable is ‘Moll Flanders’ (1722), another of Defoe’s key works, which offers an insight into the life of the eponymous character who narrates her story with candidness and psychological depth, a testament to Defoe’s skill in character development and storytelling. Defoe is often regarded as one of the founders, if not the founder, of the English novel, with his works laying the groundwork for realistic fiction as a literary genre. His work extends beyond merely popular fiction; it is deeply embedded in the social and political issues of his time, and often his writing served as a commentary on the economic and cultural conditions of early 18th century Britain.