A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe (Penguin Classics)

“A Journal of the Plague Year” is a novel written by Daniel Defoe, best known for his novel “Robinson Crusoe.” This work was published in 1722 and is a fictionalized account of the Great Plague of London, which occurred in 1665. The novel takes the form of a first-person journal, narrated by a survivor of the plague, known only as “H.F.”

In the novel, H.F. recounts the events of the plague year, describing the horrors and challenges faced by the people of London during the outbreak. The book provides a detailed and realistic portrayal of the social, economic, and medical aspects of the plague. It’s considered an early example of historical fiction, as Defoe wasn’t alive during the actual events he described.

“A Journal of the Plague Year” is an important work of early English literature and provides valuable insights into the historical context and the experience of living through a devastating epidemic. It’s often studied for its depiction of a major historical event and the impact it had on society.