Subject
Storms -- Great Britain -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Daniel Defoe
The Lay-Man's Sermon upon the Late Storm Held forth at an Honest Coffee-House-Conventicle
"The Lay-Man's Sermon upon the Late Storm" by Daniel Defoe is a political and religious pamphlet written in the early 18th century. The work is a response to the devastating storm that struck England in the early 1700s, interpreting the natural disaster as a manifestation of divine displeasure towards the nation's moral failings. This text is notable for merging biblical themes with contemporary political issues, advocating for national repentance and unity in the face of calamity. In this pamphlet, Defoe explores the connections between the recent storm and the moral state of England, arguing that the disaster serves as a warning from God against the division and strife plaguing the nation. Defoe employs the metaphor of storms to reflect on the turbulent political climate and calls for a spirit of moderation and cooperation among opposing factions. He critiques the fervent zeal of various political parties and their inability to see the broader implications of their actions, urging readers to recognize the need for unity in order to restore both national stability and divine favor. Through this discourse, Defoe weaves together themes of divine judgment, political accountability, and the necessity of moral introspection.
Daniel Defoe
The Storm. An Essay.
"The Storm. An Essay." by Daniel Defoe is a work of journalism published in 1704. It documents the devastating Great Storm of 1703 that ravaged London and Britain through innovative first-hand accounts collected via newspaper advertisements. Defoe weaves together sixty personal testimonies of toppled forests, demolished homes, stranded sailors, and naval destruction. This pioneering approach to reporting, gathering eyewitness stories from survivors who signed their names, established it as the first substantial work of modern journalism.
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