Daniel Defoe (c. 1660 – 24 April 1731) was an English writer, journalist, and pamphleteer, now most famously known for his novel 'Robinson Crusoe'. Defoe is considered one of the earliest proponents of the novel, as he helped to popularize the form in Britain and is among the founders of the English novel. A versatile and prolific writer, he penned more than 500 books, pamphlets, and journals on various topics (including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology, and the supernatural). He was also a pioneer of economic journalism and wrote extensively in this field. Although 'The True Pirate Adventures' is not one of his renowned works, it is an emblematic example of his interest in adventures and seafaring themes, which also prominently feature in his acclaimed work 'Captain Singleton'. Defoe's literary style often embraced a direct, resonant, and vigorous narrative voice, with a keen eye for detail and a reporter-like commitment to fact. His works are characterized by their moral seriousness, pragmatism, and penetrating psychological depth. The geographic and social realism in his books has been a major influence on subsequent generations of writers and helps cement Defoe's status as a key figure in the development of the English novel.