Daniel Defoe (c. 1660 – 24 April 1731), born Daniel Foe, was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer, and spy, now most famous for his novel 'Robinson Crusoe'. Defoe is notable for being one of the earliest proponents of the novel, as he helped to popularize the form in Britain and with others, is among the founders of the English novel. A prolific and versatile writer, he wrote more than 300 works on diverse topics. He was also a pioneer of business journalism and economic journalism. His work 'A Journal of the Plague Year' (1722) stands out as a quasi-historical record of the experiences of the 1665 Great Plague of London. This novel is an early example of Defoe's unique approach to storytelling, blending history with fiction and using a journalistic style that gives it a ring of authenticity, as though it were an eyewitness account, although Defoe was only around five years old during the actual events. Defoe's literary style is characterized by his vivid detail, realism, and his ability to convey the intricate socio-economic conditions of his time. His works have continued to be read and studied for their portrayal of the emerging modernity of the 18th-century British society.