Daniel Defoe (c. 1660 – 1731) was a prolific English writer, journalist, and spy, now most famously known for his novel 'Robinson Crusoe,' originally published in 1719. Though the provided reference mentions 'Robinson Crusoe — in Words of One Syllable,' this is actually an adaptation of Defoe's work, simplified for young readers. Defoe's literary style is often recognized as pioneering the English novel, mixing realistic narrative, vivid portrayal of character, and detailed geographical descriptions with themes of survival, colonialism, and individualism. His full name being Daniel Foe, he would later add the aristocratic-sounding 'De' to his last name, creating the moniker under which he would become a literary legend. Defoe's background as a merchant, his travels, and his political involvement significantly influenced his writing. In addition to 'Robinson Crusoe', his notable works include 'Moll Flanders' and 'A Journal of the Plague Year', the former chronicling the life of a resourceful woman in 17th-century England, and the latter providing a fictionalized account of the 1665 Great Plague of London. Defoe was a master of narrative voice and is often lauded for his contributions to the English novel. His legacy endures, with 'Robinson Crusoe' remaining a canonical adventure narrative and foundational text in the genre.