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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Daniel De Foe Biography DE FOE, Daniel, celebrated writer, born in London, England, in 1661; died April 24, 1731. He was the son of James Foe, a butcher, the prefix De being added to the name by the author after he reached manhood. He was educated at Newington Green, near London, and at first intended to enter the ministry, but engaged in writing and publishing. Both he and his father were Dissenters, and he was with Monmouth's army and with that of King William in 1688. Later he traveled in Germany, France, and Spain, went through bankruptcy, but afterwards discharged his debts by making full payment. His "Treatise Against the Turks" appeared in 1683 and was followed by the satirical poem, the "True-born Englishman," in which he apologized for the king on account of his being a Dutchman, and showed that the English people were the descendants of various races. In 1702 his publication, called "Shortest Way with Dissenters," aroused the opposition of the house of commons, and it was ordered burned, while a reward was offered for his arrest. He was described as "A middle-sized, spare man, about forty years old, of a brown complexion and dark brown colored hair, but wears a wig, a hooked nose, sharp chin, gray eyes, and a large mole near his mouth." After his arrest he was tried and punished in the pillory, confined, and imprisoned. He wrote "Hymn to the Pillory" while in prison, and also began the publication of a weekly called the "Review," which he conducted for nine years. His literary vigor and practical talent were admired by Lord Godolphin, who employed him on the staff of comissions to bring about the union with Scotland. His visit to Scotland resulted in his "History of the Union." In 1713 he was again confined for publishing objectionable writings, and after his release gave up politics. The work by which he is best known, "Robinson Crusoe," was published in 1719. This publication netted him about $5,000 by springing at once into popularity, and has ever since remained an extremely popular and widely production. Among his other well known productions are "Colonel Jack;" "Memoirs of a Cavalier;" "History of the Plague;" "Moll Flanders;" "Adventures of Roxana;" "Everybody's Business is Nobody's Business," and "Captain Singleton." The writings of De Foe are characterized by vigor, clearness, and simplicity. His work in fiction is exceptionally strong on account of possessing the appearance of truth. His "Memoirs of a Cavalier" is regarded one of the best accounts of the civil wars ever written. The Teachers' and Pupils' Cyclopædia, Vol.II. (Kansas City: Bufton Book Co., 1909) 482. |