Daniel DefoeDaniel Defoe (1660?-1731), English journalist and novelist, whose work reflects his diverse experiences in many countries and in many walks of life. As well as being a brilliant journalist, novelist and social thinker, Defoe was an exceptional author, producing over 500 literary works. Defoe was born in London around 1660, the son of a candle merchant named Foe. Daniel added "De" to his name around 1700. He was educated for the Presbyterian ministry but decided to go into business in 1685. He became a hosiery merchant and his business gave him frequent opportunity to travel throughout Europe Western. The Roman Catholic King James II, in 1685, Defoe took an active part in the unsuccessful rebellion led by the Duke of Monmouth against the king. In 1692 his business failed, but he later acquired control of a tile and brick factory. He obtained a government position in 1695 and in the same year wrote "An Essay on Projects", a remarkable work on public issues, such as the education of women. Of particular note among his writings in later years is the satirical poem "The True-born Englishman" (1701), an attack on beliefs in racial or national superiority, which was particularly directed at those Englishmen who resented the new king, William. III, for being Dutch. The following year, Defoe anonymously published a tract entitled "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters", which satirized religious intolerance by claiming to share the Anglican Church's prejudice against nonconformists. In 1703, when it was discovered that Defoe had written the tract, he was arrested and punished with indefinite imprisonment. Robert Harley, Speaker of the House of Commons, released Defoe in November 1703, on the condition that he agree to become a secret agent and public propagandist for the government. During his time in prison, Defoe's business had been ruined, so he turned to journalism to make a living. From 1704 to 1713 he published a tri-weekly news journal called "The Review", for which he did most of the editorial work. Its opinions and interpretations were often independent, but in general, “La Revue” leaned in favor of the government in place. Defoe wrote forcefully in favor of union with Scotland, and his duties as a secret agent may have included other activities on behalf of the union, which was achieved in 1707. In 1709 he wrote a History of the Union..