Daniel Defoe, página 5 de 31

In "Reasons Against the Succession of the House of Hanover," Daniel Defoe presents a provocative argument against the acceptance of the Hanoverian royal family following the death of Queen Anne. Written amidst the turbulent political atmosphere of early 18th-century England, Defoe employs a sharp and engaging prose style, laced with rhetorical questions and incisive analysis. This polemical work reflects the larger context of the Jacobite risings and the struggle for political identity, as Defoe grapples with issues of loyalty, legitimacy, and power, while articulating the concerns of those who opposed the Hanoverian claim to the British throne. Daniel Defoe, born in 1660, was not only a novelist but also a prolific pamphleteer and a keen observer of political and social issues of his time. His background as a dissenting Christian and a savvy businessman likely shaped his views on monarchy and governance, driving him to wield his pen as a weapon for political discourse. Defoes diverse experiences allowed him to navigate the intricacies of party politics and helped locate his voice within the increasingly polarized public sphere, culminating in this crucial, yet often overlooked treatise. This book is essential for readers interested in the intersection of literature and political history. Defoes compelling argumentation and eloquent writing not only illuminate the tumultuous period of the early 18th century but also offer timeless insights into the nature of governance and authority. "Reasons Against the Succession of the House of Hanover" invites readers to engage critically with the historical narrative, making it a vital addition to the canon of British political literature.

In "The Lay-Mans Sermon upon the Late Storm," Daniel Defoe presents a compelling reflection on the destructive storm of 1703 that ravaged southern England. Written in the form of a sermon, Defoe employs an accessible yet richly descriptive prose style that captures the chaotic energy of the tempest while inviting readers to ponder theological and moral implications inherent in such natural disasters. This work stands as a notable example of the intersection of religious discourse and the burgeoning literature of disaster in the early 18th century, marked by Defoes characteristic blend of personal anecdote and philosophical musing. Defoe, a prominent figure in early English literature, was profoundly influenced by his experiences as a merchant and his keen observations of societyAos vulnerabilities. His diverse career, which included journalism, trade, and even imprisonment for political dissent, informed his approach to writing about contemporary events. DefoeAos engagement with moral themes and societal critique shapes this work, as he seeks to guide readers through the perplexities of human existence in light of divine providence amidst adversity. "The Lay-Mans Sermon upon the Late Storm" is a critical read for those interested in the intersections of literature, philosophy, and natural history. It offers profound insights into the human condition while providing a unique perspective on the societal impact of natural disasters. Defoes masterful articulation of fear, morality, and reflection teaches us that even in calamity, there lies an opportunity for spiritual awakening.

Daniel Defoes A Journal of the Plague Year is a haunting narrative that vividly captures the chaos and devastation of the Great Plague of London in 1665. Written in a realistic and detailed style, Defoes work immerses readers in the grim realities of the epidemic, from the rapid spread of the disease to the human suffering and desperation that ensued. The book provides a valuable historical account of the plague while also exploring themes of survival, fear, and resilience in the face of catastrophe. Defoes meticulous attention to detail and his use of realistic dialogue contribute to the authenticity of the narrative, making it a compelling and immersive read for those interested in historical fiction and the human experience in times of crisis. As one of Defoes most renowned works, A Journal of the Plague Year continues to be a classic portrayal of a city ravaged by a deadly epidemic, offering readers a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of Londons history.

In "Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins," Daniel Defoe presents an engaging tale that intricately blends autobiography with fictional narrative, reflecting the growing appetite for personal accounts during the early 18th century. The book chronicles the adventures and misadventures of the eponymous Major Ramkins, a soldier whose exploits serve as a microcosm for the broader societal issues of the time, including themes of warfare, class, and colonialism. Defoes masterful use of a first-person perspective not only enhances the immediacy of the narrative but also allows for a rich exploration of the psychological dimensions of its protagonist, echoing the emerging narrative form of the novel as a vehicle for both entertainment and moral reflection. Daniel Defoe (1660-1731), a significant figure in early English literature, is known for his pioneering contributions to the novel genre. His own experiences as a merchant, journalist, and pamphleteer, along with his keen observations of societal norms and conflicts, undoubtedly influenced the creation of this work. Defoes understanding of human nature and his adeptness at weaving intricate tales provide "Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins" with a depth that resonates with readers today, connecting the personal with the political in a time of considerable change. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in early narratives that capture the spirit of adventure and societal critique. Defoes nuanced storytelling offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a soldier during a transformative period in history. For those drawn to historical fiction or seeking to understand the intricate interplay between personal tales and broader historical contexts, this work stands as an essential read.

The full title being: The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders Who was born in Newgate, and during a life of continud Variety for Threescore Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Years a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her brother) Twelve Years a Thief, Eight Years a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, livd Honest and died a Penitent. It purports to be the true account of the life of Moll, detailing her exploits from birth until old age.

In "The Friendly Daemon, or the Generous Apparition," Daniel Defoe presents a compelling exploration of morality and human potential through the lens of an engaging supernatural narrative. Set against the backdrop of early 18th-century England, the novel deftly intertwines elements of realism with fantasy, reflecting Defoes mastery of prose and his keen interest in contemporary social issues. Through the figure of the benevolent daemon, the text examines the complexities of human desires, the ethics of generosity, and the transformative power of community, a theme resonating with the emerging Enlightenment thought of Defoes time. Daniel Defoe, best known for his groundbreaking novel "Robinson Crusoe," had a lifelong engagement with societal concerns, including economics, individualism, and the human condition. His diverse experiences as a merchant, journalist, and pamphleteer informed his rich characterizations and intricate plots. "The Friendly Daemon" illustrates his belief in the potential for goodness within human nature, a reflection of his own lifeAos tumultuous journey and philosophical inquiries into morality. This enchanting narrative is highly recommended for readers who are drawn to thought-provoking literature that bridges the gap between reality and the supernatural. Defoes unique style and profound themes not only entertain but also encourage critical reflection on societal values and the essential goodness that can arise from generosity.

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In "An Appeal to Honour and Justice, Though It Be of His Worst Enemies," Daniel Defoe deftly navigates the turbulent waters of early 18th-century politics and personal vindication through a blend of compelling rhetoric and sharp observation. Written in the aftermath of Defoes imprisonment for seditious libel, this work embodies his hallmark style of pragmatic prose peppered with emotional weight. The text serves not merely as a defense but as a poignant illustration of the tension between individual rights and state authority during a period marked by political strife and social upheaval. Defoes engagement with themes of reputation, honor, and the social contract resonates with the growing consciousness of civil liberties in the Age of Enlightenment. Daniel Defoe, a pioneering figure in English literature, was not only a novelist but also a political agent and pamphleteer. His myriad experiences, including his own brushes with the law due to his outspoken views, informed his narrative voice and thematic choices. Defoes keen understanding of human nature and societal dynamics is evident in this work, reflecting his desire to appeal to the better instincts of his contemporaries even amid personal adversity. Readers are invited to explore this crucial work to gain insight into Defoes intellectual landscape and his enduring legacy as a champion of justice and civic responsibility. "An Appeal to Honour and Justice" is not merely a historical artifact but a timeless commentary on the moral imperatives of fairness and integrity, making it a significant addition to the canonical discourse of political literature.

En 1720 la peste, que prácticamente había desaparecido de Europa después del gran brote de 1665, volvía inopinadamente a declararse en Marsella. En Londres muchos recordaban esa tragedia de su niñez; en cada casa se contaban terribles historias sucedidas a parientes y amigos. Las noticias que llegaban de Marsella traian ahora de nuevo el panico y la inseguridad. Daniel Defoe, que se ganaba la vida como periodista, aunque habia publicado ya dos novelas en torno precisamente a un personaje sometido a la angustia de una situacion limite (Robinson Crusoe y Moll Flanders), habia sido uno de esos niños que en 1665 sobrevivieron a la epidemia. Su preocupacion por la actualidad y lo que podria ocurrir en caso de que sobreviniera otro azote le llevo en 1722 a escribir el Diario del año de la peste, bajo la forma de las memorias de un superviviente de la catastrofe. Aqui el personaje no es, sin embargo, un individuo, sino toda una ciudad, y al recrear sus padecimientos con tanta viveza y realismo sirviendose de estadisticas y tratados de medicina tanto como de pateticos episodios personales Defoe consiguio algo insolito: como apunta Anthony Burgess en la introduccion a esta edicion, el motivo de que este libro se haya convertido en un clasico es que ademas de aceptarlo como ficcion, cada generacion lo ha leido tambien como Historia.

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"Memoirs of a Cavalier" is a literary sleight of hand. Written in the style of an eyewitness account, its actually a work of fictiona trick Defoe would repeat in his later book "A Journal of a Plague Year". Originally published anonymously, many readers of the time were fooled into thinking it was real. The books unnamed protagonist is an English gentleman with a lust for adventure. He details his experiences on battlefields across Europe, as a soldier in both the Thirty Years War and the English Civil War. With its vivid scenes of warfare, "Memoirs of a Cavalier" truly makes history come alive.

Lord have mercy upon us. If these words were painted on your door, it could only mean one thingyou were one of the infected. In the years 1665 and 1666, the bubonic plague ravaged London. Bodies piled up on the streets, families quarantined themselves indoors. 100,000 people would perish, a quarter of the citys population. In "A Journal of the Plague Year", Daniel Defoe offer a fictionalised account of the pandemic, seen through the eyes of a God-fearing, upper-class Londoner. Gruesome and vivid in its details, it makes for a terrifyingly relevant read for modern audiences.

Daniel Defoes last novel, Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress is a biographical account of a womans fight for survival. Having recently become penniless, Roxana is forced to resort to sexual services in order to keep herself afloat. Defoes flair for depicting female struggle render this a deeply human novel, unmissable for those who enjoyed Defoes own Moll Flanders.

The world is so taken up of late with novels and romances, that it will be hard for a private history to be taken for genuine, where the names and other circumstances of the person are concealed, and on this account we must be content to leave the reader to pass his own opinion upon the ensuing sheet, and take it just as he pleases.The author is here supposed to be writing her own history, and in the very beginning of her account she gives the reasons why she thinks fit to conceal her true name, after which there is no occasion to say any more about that.It is true that the original of this story is put into new words, and the style of the famous lady we here speak of is a little altered; particularly she is made to tell her own tale in modester words that she told it at first, the copy which came first to hand having been written in language more like one still in Newgate than one grown penitent and humble, as she afterwards pretends to be.The pen employed in finishing her story, and making it what you now see it to be, has had no little difficulty to put it into a dress fit to be seen, and to make it speak language fit to be read. When a woman debauched from her youth, nay, even being the offspring of debauchery and vice, comes to give an account of all her vicious practices, and even to descend to the particular occasions and circumstances by which she ran through in threescore years, an author must be hard put to it wrap it up so clean as not to give room, especially for vicious readers, to turn it to his disadvantage.

Después de ser apresado y convertido en esclavo en África, como consecuencia de un naufragio, Robinson Crusoe llega a una isla deshabitada cerca de la desembocadura del río Orinoco y se enfrenta al reto de crear un nuevo modo de vida, partiendo de cero. Con el tiempo, y tras ver desembarcar en la isla a varios grupos de caníbales, libera al que iba a ser una de las víctimas, Viernes, y encuentra así compañía. Entre los dos, además de ampliar las plantaciones de la isla, consiguen liberar a algunas otras víctimas, entre ellas a varios españoles que también habían naufragado. Tomando como punto de partida las experiencias reales del marinero español Pedro Serrano (siglo XVI) y la del escocés Alexander Selkirk (s. XVIII), Daniel Defoe creó una ambiciosa obra que no es sólo una apasionante novela de aventuras, sino también una obra que se plantea con agudeza diversas cuestiones de carácter social, político y filosófico, que han dado a su vez pie a que se la ponga como ejemplo en las más diversas disciplinas (economía, sociología, ética, etc.).

"The Storm" (1704) is a founding document of modern journalism. It tells of the events of November 1703, when a hurricane struck Britain. It is composed of verbatim eyewitness accounts, solicited from survivors through a newspaper advertisement that Defoe placed shortly after the hurricane struck.This account remains a required reading for journalism students to this day.

Daniel Defoe is best known as the author of "Robinson Crusoe," published in 1719. However between 1724 and 1726 he published the three volume work, "A Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain." This is a superb and detailed account of what Great Britain was like on the eve of the industrial and agricultural revolutions, written in a matter-of-fact style that comes over as surprisingly modern.The three volumes are written in the form of 13 "letters," each describing a tour undertaken by Defoe.

Robinson Crusoe es un marinero de York que, en una expedición por África en barco, es capturado por unos piratas y se convierte en esclavo. Consigue escapar y es ayudado por un capitán de marina portugues, Ruben Catalin, que se dirige a Brasil. En este ultimo lugar se establece por un tiempo pero surge la opcion de navegar nuevamente a Africa en busca de negros para asistir las necesidades domesticas de el y un grupo de inmigrantes en Brasil; es