Daniel Defoe was born in 1660 in Cripplegate, just outside the walls of the City of London. His parents, James and Alice Foe, were Dissenters— Protestants who refused to accept the authority of the Anglican Church (also known as the Church of England).

In 1670 Defoe's mother died and he was sent to boarding school. He attended Charles Morton's academy at Newington Green, where he received an excellent education and developed a taste for political radicalism.

Defoe finished his studies al Morton in 1679 and entered the hosiery business. In 1684 he married Mary Tuffley. a wealthy young woman. He prospered in business and became a member of the Butcher's Company—one of several companies that controlled business in London, He also gained several influential friends in the government.

Unfortunately. Defoe overextended his investments—at one point he owed seventeen thousand pounds—and was sued eight times between 1688 and 1694, ending...