Daniel Defoe was an English writer and journalist who is best known for his novel Robinson Crusoe. He was born in 1660 and died in 1731. He wrote over 500 books, pamphlets, and journals during his lifetime. He is considered to be one of the earliest proponents of the novel form. His works include Moll Flanders, Roxana, A Journal of the Plague Year, and The Political History of the Devil. He is also credited with being the author of the popular children's book The Adventures of Peter Pan. He is remembered as one of the most influential authors of the 18th century.