The Life of Daniel De Foe (ePub)

George Chalmers (1742-1825) was a Scottish antiquarian and political writer whose scholarship extended into various realms of history and literature. With a meticulous approach to historical research, Chalmers is perhaps best remembered for his biographical study of the English writer Daniel Defoe. His work, 'The Life of Daniel De Foe' (1790), reflects his penchant for detailed investigation and provides a valuable perspective on the life of one of the early novelists in the English language. Born in Fochabers, Moray, Chalmers was educated at King's College, Aberdeen before migrating to North America to work as a lawyer. However, the Revolutionary War prompted his return to Britain, where he devoted himself to literary and antiquarian pursuits. In his writings, Chalmers often fused legal training with his historical interests, which not only benefited his biographical works but also underpinned his arguments in defenses of political conservatism. While 'The Life of Daniel De Foe' stands out as a noteworthy contribution to Defoe studies, Chalmers also authored a variety of other texts, particularly focusing on the history of the British colonies in North America and defending the British government's positions against American independence claims. His proficiency in archival research and his editorial work, especially concerning the writings of Samuel Johnson, further solidify his standing in the scholarly community of his time.