Daniel Defoe: His Life

An excellent biography, the first since 1958, of a man whose life was an adventure rivaling Robinson Crusoe's. Backscheider (English, U. of Rochester) reveals new information about Defoe's secret career as a double agent, his daring business ventures, and his cat-and-mouse games with those who wanted to control the press and his dangerous pen. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Charles Gildon has Defoe say of Robinson Crusoe, "I drew thee from the consideration of my own Mind; I have been all my Life that Rambling Inconsistent Creature, which I have made thee." Backscheider reveals how right Gildon was, showing "a man struggling to reconcile conflicting loyalties and competing strategies" but always trying to be useful, well thought of, and rich, a loyal Dissenter though he may have been excommunicated. Multifaceted and multitalented--journalist, merchant, novelist, spy--Defoe emerges as complex yet comprehensible. The work also paints a clear picture of Defoe's political, social, and economic milieu. The first full-length biography of Defoe in 30 years, this well-written, well-illustrated book is a necessary addition to all collections.
- Joseph Rosenblum, Univ. of North Carolina, Greensboro
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.