Daniel Defoe fut un écrivain et journaliste anglais qui acquit une renommée grâce à ses premières œuvres et à son rôle dans la popularisation du roman en Grande-Bretagne. Auteur prolifique et polyvalent, il explora un vaste éventail de sujets, allant de la politique et du crime à la psychologie et au surnaturel. Son approche novatrice de l'écriture et du journalisme en fait une figure essentielle de l'histoire de la littérature anglaise. L'héritage de Defoe réside dans sa capacité à offrir à ses lecteurs des récits captivants et des observations perspicaces sur la nature humaine.
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In 1665, the Great Plague swept through London, claiming nearly 100,000 lives. In A Journal of the Plague Year, Defoe vividly chronicles the progress of the epidemic. We follow his fictional narrator through a city transformed-the streets and alleyways deserted, the houses of death with crosses daubed on their doors, the dead-carts on their way to the pits-and encounter the horrified citizens of the city, as fear, isolation, and hysteria take hold. The shocking immediacy of Defoe's description of plague-racked London makes this one of the most convincing accounts of the Great Plague ever written.
The book explores the overlooked works of Daniel Defoe, highlighting how changing literary tastes have led to the neglect of his novels, except for the well-known "Robinson Crusoe." It reflects on the past recognition of Defoe's writings by figures like Sir Walter Scott and Hazlitt, while emphasizing that contemporary readers are largely unaware of other significant titles such as "Memoirs of a Cavalier," "Colonel Jack," "Moll Flanders," and "Captain Singleton." This commentary sheds light on the fluctuating appreciation of British classics.
Set during the devastating plague of 1665, this work offers a vivid account of life in London amidst the outbreak. Through the eyes of a resident, it captures both public and private experiences, detailing the chaos, fear, and resilience of the population. The narrative blends personal observations with historical events, providing a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history. This previously unpublished journal brings to light the struggles and survival of individuals during one of London's darkest times.
The annotation discusses how most of Defoe's novels, aside from 'Robinson Crusoe,' have been largely overlooked due to changing tastes in literature. Despite past recognition by figures like Sir Walter Scott, works such as 'Memoirs of a Cavalier' and 'Captain Singleton' remain unfamiliar to contemporary readers.
