This classic of English literature tells the story of the fall and eventual redemption of a lone woman in 17th-century England. It purports to be the true account of the life of the eponymous Moll, detailing her exploits from birth until old age. The titular heroine appears as a whore, bigamist, and thief, lives in The Mint, commits adultery and incest, and yet manages to retain the reader's sympathy. Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer, and spy, most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe. Defoe is noted for being one of the earliest proponents of the novel, as he helped to popularize the form in Britain with others such as Samuel Richardson, and is among the founders of the English novel. He was a prolific and versatile writer, producing more than five hundred books, pamphlets, and journals on various topics, including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology, and the supernatural.

The Fortunes & Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders 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 Penitent.Written from her own Memorandums . . . by Daniel Defoe

'Gamesters and Highwaymen are generally very good to their Whores, but they are very Devils to their Wives.' With The Beggar's Opera (1728), John Gay created one of the most enduringly popular works in English theatre history, and invented a new dramatic form, the ballad opera. Gay's daring mixture of caustic political satire, well-loved popular tunes, and a story of crime and betrayal set in the urban underworld of prostitutes and thieves was an overnight sensation. Captain Macheath and Polly Peachum have become famous well beyond the confines of Gay's original play, and in its sequel, Polly, banned in Gay's lifetime, their adventures continue in the West Indies. With a cross-dressing heroine and a cast of female adventurers, pirates, Indian princes, rebel slaves, and rapacious landowners, Polly lays bare a culture in which all human relationships are reduced to commercial transactions. Raucous, lyrical, witty, ironic and tragic by turns, The Beggar's Opera and Polly - published together here for the first time - offer a scathing and ebullient portrait of a society in which statesmen and outlaws, colonialists and pirates, are impossible to tell apart. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Daniel Defoe's 'The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders (Illustrated)' is a groundbreaking novel that delves into the life of the titular Moll Flanders, a woman who encounters numerous trials and tribulations in 17th-century England. Defoe's use of a first-person narrative style adds depth to character development and offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by women of that era. The novel also explores themes of morality, identity, and societal expectations, making it a captivating read for those interested in historical fiction. Defoe's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport readers back in time, immersing them in Moll Flanders' world.Daniel Defoe, a prominent English writer, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of society to craft this compelling tale. As a prolific author known for his realistic depictions of everyday life, Defoe's ability to capture the essence of 17th-century England shines through in his portrayal of Moll Flanders. His nuanced understanding of human nature and social structures adds depth to the narrative, making it a timeless classic. Readers will appreciate Defoe's insightful commentary on the complexities of morality and the human condition.I highly recommend 'The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders (Illustrated)' to anyone seeking a thought-provoking read that offers a glimpse into the past while exploring timeless themes that resonate with modern audiences. Defoe's masterful storytelling and rich character development make this novel a must-read for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Robinson Crusoe was presented as a true autobiography of a castaway marooned for 28 years on an uninhabited island. The book’s plot is believed to be based on the story of the real-life castaway Alexander Selkirk. And is first published on 25 April 1719. It was been considered one of the first English novels.

The Fortunes & Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders (aka Moll Flanders) is a novel by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1722. It purports to be the true account of the life of the eponymous Moll, detailing her exploits from birth until old age.

Daniel Defoe's fictional heroine Moll Flanders is famous for her criminal and sexual adventures, racily portrayed n big and small screen romps as bawdy wench, fallen woman and proto-feminist trailblazer. But who was she? And what world did she really inhabit? To answer these questions Sian Rees takes her readers on a journey of literary and historical detection, across continents, cultures and centuries. Following Moll's tumultuous life, the story moves from Jacobean England to Jamestown, Virginia; from the English Civil War to the struggles of the Powhatan Indians; and from the metropolis of London to the hamlet of Annapolis in the early eighteenth century. Introducing us to a rogues' gallery of real-life versions of Moll, it is as fast-moving and rich in incident as Defoe's great novel.