While he was still in school in London, Daniel Defoe (1659-1731) decided to be a writer. His early writings after he grew up were mostly pamphlets. One of bis pamphlets displeased some men in the government, and Defoe was thrown into prison. As soon as he was freed, he went on with his writing.
He was 60 years old when he wrote the book which made him famous. It was called The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. In those days it was considered a waste of time to read "made up" stories. Defoe based his book on the true story of Alexander Selkirk, a sailor who had been shipwrecked on a desert island. But Defoe made up most of the adventures of his hero. Readers thought the whole story was true.
Although Defoe wrote other books, none was as well liked as Robinson Crusoe. Boys and girls still read this story today. It has been translated into many languages.
