Moll Flanders (a contraction of "The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous 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. the novel describes Moll on the original title page as having been "Born in Newgate … 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, and died a Penitent." The novel is based partially on the life of Moll King, a London criminal whom Defoe met while visiting Newgate Prison. One of the earliest picaresque novels in English, Moll Flanders has both captivated and shocked countless readers since it was first published in 1722. An excellent candidate for classroom use, this classic of 18th-century fiction will entertain and enlighten general readers as well.
