From Restoration poets and playwrights Dryden, Rochester and Behn, through to the great eighteenth-century novelists and satirists Richardson, Burney and Defoe, this volume discusses the key literary developments of the age. Covering important topics of debate, such as trade, expansion and slavery, nature, liberty, and print culture, this York Notes Companion also incorporates relevant critical theory throughout for a complete and wide-ranging introduction.
The book explores how Defoe's 1719 work, Robinson Crusoe, revolutionized moral authority in literature by showcasing a diverse range of 'voices' in his earlier writings. It provides a fresh analysis of the narrative techniques and thematic depth that contribute to the novel's lasting impact, highlighting the evolution of literary expression in the early 18th century. This examination sheds light on Defoe's innovative approach to character and morality, marking a significant shift in literary history.