Daniel Defoe 
Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins (1718) 

Daniel Defoe’s ‘Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins’ published in 1718, is a gripping and suspenseful account of the life of a military hero. Written in Defoe’s signature straightforward prose style, the book offers a compelling narrative that delves into the challenges and triumphs of Major Ramkins during his time in the army. With vivid descriptions and believable characters, Defoe creates a realistic depiction of the military life in the 18th century, making this work a must-read for history enthusiasts and fans of adventure novels. The book’s reflection on themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice adds depth to the storyline, capturing the reader’s attention from start to finish. Defoe’s portrayal of Major Ramkins’s life is a testament to the author’s skill in storytelling and his ability to engage readers with a compelling narrative. Through his detailed descriptions and vivid imagery, Defoe brings the character of Major Ramkins to life, showcasing the author’s deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of military life in the 18th century. I highly recommend ‘Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins’ to readers who enjoy historical fiction and are looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Over de auteur

Daniel Defoe (c. 1660 – 24 April 1731) was an English writer, journalist, and spy, now most famously known for his novel ‘Robinson Crusoe’. Defoe is considered one of the earliest proponents of the English novel and has been lauded for his remarkable range of writing, extending to economics, crime, ghost stories, and political writing. Defoe’s work in journalism, including ‘The Review’, which he founded in 1704, showcased his radical and independent thinking, establishing his position as a significant figure within the literary community of the early 18th century. His book ‘Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins (1718)’ is a testament to his narrative skill and historical interest. The volume is a supposed autobiographical account that blends truth with fiction, a characteristic method in Defoe’s approach to literature, where he frequently blurred the lines between reality and imagination, thereby contributing to the novel’s rise as a literary form. His literary style often embodied the first-person perspective and detailed real-life experiences, which created convincing and engaging narratives that captivated readers then as they do now. Defoe’s knack for mingling historical facts with fiction in an accessible language paved the way for the novelistic tradition that would bloom in the centuries to follow.