Daniel Defoe 
The Political Works of Daniel Defoe 
Including the Biography of the Author

In ‘The Political Works of Daniel Defoe’, the reader is taken on a journey through Defoe’s astute commentary on the political landscape of his time. Written in a straightforward and engaging style, this collection of essays and pamphlets sheds light on Defoe’s views on government, social order, and the role of the individual in society. Defoe’s keen observations and lively prose make this book a captivating read for anyone interested in political theory and history. The political context in which Defoe wrote, particularly during the turbulent early 18th century in England, adds depth and relevance to his arguments. Defoe’s works are not only a reflection of his time but also serve as a timeless commentary on power and governance. As a prolific writer and journalist, Defoe’s varied experiences and deep understanding of human nature undoubtedly influenced his political writings. His ability to analyze complex issues with clarity and insight establishes him as a significant figure in the history of political literature. ‘The Political Works of Daniel Defoe’ is a must-read for those seeking to delve into the mind of a masterful political thinker and writer.

Over de auteur

Daniel Defoe (c. 1660 – 24 April 1731) was an English writer, journalist, and spy, now most famous for his novel ‘Robinson Crusoe.’ Defoe is notable for being one of the earlier practitioners of the novel, and he helped popularize the genre in Britain. In his time, he was also a prolific political pamphleteer, which is evidenced by ‘The Political Works of Daniel Defoe’. Born Daniel Foe, he later added the aristocratic-sounding ‘De’ to his last name, crafting an identity that would resonate with the gentrified reading audiences of his time. His work is marked by its detailed depiction of physical settings and its journalistic detail; his fiction reads as if it were factual, which can be partly attributed to his background in journalism and his keen observation of contemporary practices and the social order. Beyond ‘Robinson Crusoe’, Defoe penned several influential works including ‘Moll Flanders’, ‘A Journal of the Plague Year’, and ‘Roxana’. Defoe’s writing style is vivid, with an uncompromising realism that was uncommon in narratives of the 18th century, which often veered into didactic and heavily moralistic territory. His works explore themes of survival, economic individualism, social mobility, and the human struggle against adversity—which have earned him a lasting place in the canon of English literature.