Description

Moll Flanders, the heroine of the 1722 novel by Daniel Defoe that bears her name, enters the world as the daughter of a convict saved from execution only by her pregnancy. Moll's felonious birth-mother is sent away to America, and the young girl is adopted by a kindly family. Despite her solid home environment, Moll's blood runs high with waywardness. As Moll grows into a beautiful young woman, she falls into mischief with one of her adopted brothers, only to marry the other. Moll is a scheming woman and wastes no time, once her first husband dies, in seeking out another suitable mate to provide for her in style. As years go by, the sly Moll encounters one adventure after another in the rollicking soap opera her life becomes. A fascinating commentary on morality, mischief, and self-reliance in its day, Moll Flanders is sure to entertain every reader with this tale of a spirited heroine whose ambition knows no bounds.

About the Author

Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) led a life of mystery and intrigue. Born in London, Defoe had witnessed several catastrophic British events, such as the horrible 1666 Great Fire of London, by the time he was ten years old. As an adult, Defoe became a businessman and led a fairly respectable life, although he did dabble in his share of trouble. Defoe took part in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 and was later thrown in prison for unpaid debts. He was an outspoken voice in British politics, and wrote tracts on many topics, government, religion and the occult being some of his favorite themes. Defoe was involved in countless aspects of the volatile and exciting era of pre-Industrial England. His adventurous life was full of ups and downs, rather like the plots of some of his most beloved works, Moll Flanders and Robinson Crusoe.

Learn more about this author.

Opening Lines (Experimental)

Who was Born in Newgate, and during a Life of continu'd Variety for Threescore Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her own Brother), Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and dies a ...