In the School of Affliction: A History of the Life and Times of Daniel Defoe

There are probably few people the world over who have not heard the name Robinson Crusoe; but at the same time, there are also few who probably know anything about his creator, Daniel Defoe. To say that Defoe was an enigma is not an exaggeration, for certainly the perception of him—both in his own lifetime and beyond—varies depending upon the biographer and how much he is willing to “forgive” the foibles of a man who intentionally misrepresented himself when he needed to, but yet defended his position when he felt he was in the right--even if it ran counter to the previous. Who was this man born as Daniel Foe? A man who freely spoke his mind and was openly reviled for it--including by some of the most laudable authors of the day, who viewed him (at best) as a “penny prostitute,” a hack. He was a puritan tradesman who never intended to be anything else; yet was ever defensive of Religious Toleration and protecting the Rights of Englishmen. A rebel against the crown and a government propagandist; a projector and a debtor; a visionary of social reform; a prisoner of some of the most notorious prisons of London; chronicler of the lives of pirates and criminals, and…oh yes… a spy.
In the School of Affliction is a narrative fiction that spans the reigns of James II through that of George I, covering not only the life of the English author; but much of the political and literary controversy of the times. This was an Age of notable scribblers and notable deceivers; a time marked by persecution, injustice, rebellion, political strife, war, and rampant crime. An age when speaking one’s mind could bring a stand in the pillory, or in Newgate prison--or even a challenge by sword. Daniel Defoe experienced all of these, even before penning his fist classic piece of literature at the tender age of sixty. In all that time he has been attributed to authoring over 500 pieces of work, including essays, pamphlets, political propaganda, histories, poems, newspapers, travel commentary, criminal exposes; not to mention other classic novels; notably, Moll Flanders. Welcome to 18thc London and his world. I feel certain it is better to read about than to live; but I hope you enjoy.