Daniel Defoe: His Life [Paperback]

Paula R. Backscheider (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1992

Throughout one of English history's most tumultuous periods, Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) took part in and reported on nearly every major political, religious, and social controversy. This widely acclaimed biography offers a fascinating account of Defoe's remarkable life. Paula Backscheider reveals new information about Defoe's secret career as a double agent, his daring business ventures, his dangerous pen—and his cat-and-mouse games with those who sought to control it. This is the definitive biography of one of eighteenth-century England's most influential figures—and one of the most prolific and widely read authors of all time

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

For the first time everything we know about Defoe is presented in a single orderly sequence..A searching study of a complex man, one that is coherent and credible for our times.

(New York Times Book Review )

A very considerable work of scholarship, and the first to give this prolific writer the extended treatment he after all deserves.

(Washington Post Book World )

Paula Backscheider spins this absorbing narrative with meticulous scholarship and lucidity.

(Independent on Sunday )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 688 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press (August 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801845122
• ISBN-13: 978-0801845123
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,483,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hero or Villain, May 11, 2007

By 

John Martin (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Daniel Defoe: His Life (Paperback)

Paula Backscheider is widely regarded as Defoe's leading biographer on the strenghth of this book written eighteen years ago. It is both scholarly and contradictiory. Was Defoe the victim of religious persecution triumphing over adversity ot was he a man of poor character constantly on the run from the law? What we know now was that Defoe was illegitimate and brought up harshly on the margin of things.He was constantly on the run from the law. A homosexual, at a time when this was against the law, he sought the favours and protection of powerful men. He had eight children by three simultaneous wives and ended his life in poverty a refuge from the law. There is little of this in Backscheider's book. But what is there is scholarly and entertaining.