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Dickory Cronke   By: (1661?-1731)

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Dickory Cronke by Daniel Defoe is a heartwarming and extraordinary tale that captivated my imagination from beginning to end. Set in the 18th century, the novel tells the remarkable life story of Dickory Cronke, a simple-minded man with an unwavering determination to find his place in the world.

Defoe’s masterful storytelling effortlessly transports the reader back in time, vividly depicting the landscapes, customs, and people of the era. The author’s attention to detail is outstanding, immersing us in the historical context and bringing the characters to life with their quirks, virtues, and flaws.

Dickory Cronke is an endearing protagonist; his innocence and simplicity touched my heart. Despite his limited intellectual abilities, Dickory possesses an unparalleled sense of morality and honesty, which challenges the reader's preconceived notions about what it means to be wise or successful. It is through his eyes that we witness the various social and political issues of the time, allowing us to reflect on the value of education, the power of kindness, and the superficiality of societal hierarchies.

The novel beautifully intertwines an engaging plot with profound philosophical discussions. As Dickory navigates through life, encountering hardships and joys along the way, the reader is prompted to reflect on the true meaning of happiness and what it takes to lead a fulfilling existence. This introspection is what sets Dickory Cronke apart from other novels of its time, elevating it to a work of timeless appeal.

Defoe’s prose is elegant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the landscapes and people that inhabit this fictional world. His writing style is both accessible and thought-provoking, effortlessly guiding us through the intricacies of Dickory’s life and the social complexities of the time. Each chapter flows seamlessly into the next, keeping the reader engrossed and eager to uncover where Dickory’s journey will lead him.

If there is one aspect that may disappoint some readers, it is the slightly slow pace of the narrative. However, this deliberate pacing serves to deepen our connection with Dickory and allows us to delve into his inner world, as we witness the transformative power of resilience and the unwavering spirit of an unsung hero.

In conclusion, Dickory Cronke is a hidden gem within Daniel Defoe’s literary repertoire. It showcases the author’s unmatched ability to weave together historical accuracy, insightful commentary, and a captivating narrative. This book will undoubtedly resonate with anyone in search of a profound and touching tale that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and challenges societal norms. Overall, I highly recommend this remarkable novel to all avid readers and lovers of thought-provoking literature.

First Page:

Transcribed form the 1889 George Bell and Sons edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk

DICKORY CRONKE

THE DUMB PHILOSOPHER, OR, GREAT BRITAIN'S WONDER; CONTAINING:

I. A faithful and very surprising Account how Dickory Cronke, a Tinner's son, in the County of Cornwall, was born Dumb, and continued so for Fifty eight years; and how, some days before he died, he came to his Speech; with Memoirs of his Life, and the Manner of his Death.

II. A Declaration of his Faith and Principles in Religion; with a Collection of Select Meditations, composed in his Retirement.

III. His Prophetical Observations upon the Affairs of Europe, more particularly of Great Britain, from 1720 to 1729. The whole extracted from his Original Papers, and confirmed by unquestionable Authority.

TO WHICH IS ANNEXED HIS ELEGY, WRITTEN BY A YOUNG CORNISH GENTLEMAN, OF EXETER COLLEGE IN OXFORD.

WITH

AN EPITAPH BY ANOTHER HAND.

"Non quis, sed quid."

LONDON: Printed for and Sold by THOMAS BICKERTON, at the Crown, in Paternoster Row. 1719.

PREFACE

The formality of a preface to this little book might have been very well omitted, if it were not to gratify the curiosity of some inquisitive people, who, I foresee, will be apt to make objections against the reality of the narrative... Continue reading book >>




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