Dickory Cronke: The Dumb Philosopher, or, Great Britain's Wonder

Dickory Cronke: The Dumb Philosopher, or, Great Britain's Wonder

by Daniel Defoe
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date: 04/12/2019

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In "Dickory Cronke: The Dumb Philosopher, or, Great Britain's Wonder," Daniel Defoe crafts a fascinating exploration of the human condition through the life of Dickory Cronke, a mute who becomes an unintended philosopher. The text, embedded within the literary context of the early 18th century, showcases Defoe's characteristic blend of satire and realism. Through a series of episodic adventures, Cronke's unique perspective on society, the innate curiosity of humankind, and the contrasts between appearance and reality unfold, marking this work as both a reflection on the nature of wisdom and a critique of social norms. Daniel Defoe, an influential figure in early English literature, is renowned for his pioneering novels and adept storytelling. His diverse career as a trader, journalist, and pamphleteer provided him with a wealth of insights into social dynamics that fueled his literary endeavors. It is likely that Defoe'Äôs own experiences with societal marginalization inspired the creation of Cronke, who embodies the poignant tensions between silence and insight, thus questioning the very essence of knowledge. This captivating book is highly recommended for readers interested in the intersections of philosophy, social critique, and early modern literature. Defoe's rich narrative and the compelling character of Dickory Cronke invite contemplation on the meanings of intelligence and human experience, making it an invaluable addition to the canon of classic literature.

ISBN:
4057664584359
4057664584359
Category:
Classic fiction
Format:
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date:
04-12-2019
Language:
English
Publisher:
GoodPress
Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe was a Londoner, born in 1660 at St Giles, Cripplegate, and son of James Foe, a tallow-chandler. He changed his name to Defoe from c. 1695. He was educated for the Presbyterian Ministry at Morton's Academy for Dissenters at Newington Green, but in 1682 he abandoned this plan and became a hosiery merchant in Cornhill. After serving briefly as a soldier in the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion, he became well established as a merchant and travelled widely in England, as well as on the Continent.

Between 1697 and 1701 he served as a secret agent for William III in England and Scotland, and between 1703 and 1714 for Harley and other ministers. During the latter period he also, single-handed, produced the Review, a pro-government newspaper. A prolific and versatile writer he produced some 500 books on a wide variety of topics, including politics, geography, crime, religion, economics, marriage, psychology and superstition. He delighted in role-playing and disguise, a skill he used to great effect as a secret agent, and in his writing he often adopted a pseudonym or another personality for rhetorical impact.

His first extant political tract (against James II) was published in 1688, and in 1701 appeared his satirical poem The True-Born Englishman, which was a bestseller. Two years later he was arrested for The Shortest-Way with the Dissenters, an ironical satire on High Church extremism, committed to Newgate and pilloried. He turned to fiction relatively late in life and in 1719 published his great imaginative work, Robinson Crusoe. This was followed in 1722 by Moll Flanders and A Journal of the Plague Year, and in 1724 by his last novel, Roxana.

His other works include A Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain, a guide-book in three volumes (1724–6; abridged Penguin edition, 1965), The Complete English Tradesman (1726), Augusta Triumphans, (1728), A Plan of the English Commerce (1728) and The Complete English Gentleman (not published until 1890). He died on 24 April 1731. Defoe had a great influence on the development of the English novel and many consider him to be the first true novelist.

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