Daniel Defoe (1660 - April 24, 1731) was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer and spy. In his early life, he experienced some of the most unusual occurrences in English history: in 1665, 70,000 were killed by the Great Plague of London and next year, the Great Fire of London left standing only Defoe's and two other houses in his neighborhood. He entered the world of business as a general merchant, dealing at different times in hosiery, general woolen goods and wine. His first notable publication was An Essay upon Projects, a series of proposals for social and economic improvement, published in 1697. In 1703 his pamphleteering and political activities resulted in his arrest and placement in a pillory. Defoe is now most remembered for his novel Robinson Crusoe. The first edition, published in 1719, credited the work's protagonist Robinson Crusoe as its author, leading many readers to believe he was a real person and the book a travelogue of true incidents. A prolific and versatile writer, he wrote on fewer than 545 titles, satirical poems, novels, pamphlets and journals on various topics (including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology and the supernatural). He was also a pioneer of economic journalism. He died in 1731, at the age of 70-72, probably while in hiding from his creditors. He is known to have used at least 198 pen names. This image has been color enhanced.