Daniel Defoe, born Daniel Foe (c. 1660–1731) - an English writer, trader, journalist, and spy. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. He wrote many political tracts, was often in trouble with the authorities, and spent a period in prison Robinson Crusoe was first published on 25 April 1719. Crusoe sets sail from the Queen's Dock in Hull on a sea voyage in August 1651, against the wishes of his parents, who want him to pursue a career, possibly in law. After a tumultuous journey where his ship is wrecked in a storm, his lust for the sea remains so strong that he sets out to sea again.