Daniel Defoe était un écrivain, journaliste et espion anglais qui a acquis une renommée durable grâce à son roman Robinson Crusoe. Il est remarquable pour être l'un des premiers praticiens du roman, contribuant à populariser le genre en Grande-Bretagne. Auteur prolifique et polyvalent, Defoe a exploré un large éventail de sujets, de la politique et du crime à la religion et au surnaturel. Il est également reconnu comme un pionnier du journalisme économique.
Jeune Anglais assoiffe d'aventures, Robinson décide de s'embarquer à bord d'un navire. Il apprend la dure vie de marin et affronte de nombreux dangers. Après quelque temps passé au Brésil, il repart pour la Guinée, où il n'arrivera jamais... Unique survivant d'un naufrage, il échoue sur une île déserte. Il s'invente alors une vie solitaire, jusqu'au jour où débarque un jeune indigène, Vendredi...
Seul sur son navire, Robinson fait naufrage. Il découvre une île déserte, avec pour seuls compagnons, la mer et la solitude. Ce petit paradis se transforme alors en enfer. Comment survivre ? Loin de toute civilisation, quel avenir Robinson peut-il espérer ?
Daniel Defoe is most well-known for his classic novels Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders. Born around 1660, he was also a journalist, a pamphleteer, a businessman, a spy. His life was long and colourful, and the breadth of his work, still highly regarded, is infused with similar vigour. It is said that only the bible has been printed in more languages than Robinson Crusoe. Defoe is also noted for being one of the earliest proponents of the novel. He was extremely prolific and a very versatile writer, producing several hundred books, pamphlets, and journals on various topics including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology and the supernatural. He was also a pioneer of economic journalism though was made bankrupt on more on one occasion and usually mired in debt. In later life Defoe was often most seen on Sundays when bailiffs and the like could legally make no move on him. Allegedly it was whilst hiding from creditors that he died on April 24th, 1731. He was interred in Bunhill Fields, London.
The travel narrative offers a captivating exploration of the southernmost point of England, showcasing Daniel Defoe's keen observations and vivid storytelling. Set in the 18th century, it takes readers on a journey from London to Land's End, highlighting the landscapes, culture, and experiences encountered along the way. Defoe's insights provide a rich historical context and a personal perspective on the places he visits.
Reprint of the popular first Edition (1926) of this well-known book, which has presumably been written by Daniel Defoe (The given name of the Author seems to be assumed).
Roxana, Defoe's last and darkest novel, is the autobiography of a woman who has traded her virtue, at first for survival, and then for fame and fortune. Its narrator tells the story of her own wicked life as the mistress of rich and powerful men.
The mysteries of the sea have provided an endless course of fascination for generations of writers and some of the world's best sea stories from over 100 famous authors are collected together in this splendid anthology. The book contains renowned work by Defoe, Marryat, Poe, Dumas, Melville, Conrad, Stevenson and Irving, all of whom were inspired by the sea.There are mythical adventures drawn from legends such as The Odyssey, Beowulf and The Arabian Nights; awe-inspiring stories about deep-sea creatures such as Moby-Dick; and thrilling descriptions of maritime battles and escapes from such famous novels as Kidnapped, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Ben Hur.With stories from 20 countries, spanning more than 2000 years and unequalled for sheer narrative skill and drama, this stirring anthology filled with maritime exploits will make compulsive reading.
