Daniel Defoe

William Minto was a literary critic from Scotland, and in this book he provides a biographical study of Defoe. Defoe was the author of Robinson Crusoe, and one of the earliest masters of the English novel. He was also famous for the anti-Tory pamphlet The Shortest-Way With The Dissenters and the late novel Moll Flanders. Minto examines Defoe in light of both his literary achievement and lifelong political activity. Contents include: Defoe's Youth and Early Pursuits; King William's Adjutant, A Martyr to Dissent?, The Review of the Affairs of France, The Advocate of Peace and Union; Dr. Sacheverell, and the Change of Government; Difficulties in Re-Changing Sides; Later Journalistic Labors; The Place of Defoe's Fictions in His Life; and His Mysterious End.