Daniel Defoe: Father of the Modern Novel

Daniel Defoe, born in London's Stoke Newington on April 3, 1660, is celebrated as the father of the modern novel, primarily for "Robinson Crusoe." His original surname was Foe, which he changed to the more aristocratic Defoe. Unlike a typical writer, Defoe was a businessman who entered trade, married Mary Tuffley, and had seven children. He faced bankruptcy and imprisonment in 1692, then launched ventures including a brick factory, government consulting, and essays on economics and politics. He proposed a central bank (realized in 1694), a pension system, and insurance companies. Writing was a means of income, not a vocation. Critic Ian Watt identified Defoe as the originator of the modern novel, emphasizing character-driven plots and verisimilitude—often presenting fiction as fact to boost sales. Defoe also founded "The Review," a pioneering tabloid-style journal focusing on local and scandalous news. His innovations revitalized literature, establishing the novel as a beloved form.