About the book
“The surprise ‘must-read’ for people facing the Covid-19 epidemic.” —The Telegraph
In 1665 the plague swept through London, claiming over 97,000 lives. Daniel Defoe was just five at the time of the plague, but he later called on his own memories, as well as his writing experience, to create this vivid chronicle of the epidemic and its victims. A Journal (1722) follows Defoe's fictional narrator as he traces the devastating progress of the plague through the streets of London. Here we see a city transformed: some of its streets suspiciously empty, some—with crosses on their doors—overwhelmingly full of the sounds and smells of human suffering. And every living citizen he meets has a horrifying story that demands to be heard.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Editions of A Journal of the Plague Year
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780460002899
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780460012898
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140437850
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140430158
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101157886
Read an Excerpt
“The surprise ‘must-read’ for people facing the Covid-19 epidemic.” —The Telegraph
In 1665 the plague swept through London, claiming over 97,000 lives. Daniel Defoe was just five at the time of the plague, but he later called on his own memories, as well as his writing experience, to create this vivid chronicle of the epidemic and its victims. A Journal (1722) follows Defoe's fictional narrator as he traces the devastating progress of the plague through the streets of London. Here we see a city transformed: some of its streets suspiciously empty, some—with crosses on their doors—overwhelmingly full of the sounds and smells of human suffering. And every living citizen he meets has a horrifying story that demands to be heard.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Journal of the Plague Year about?
“The surprise ‘must-read’ for people facing the Covid-19 epidemic.” —The Telegraph
In 1665 the plague swept through London, claiming over 97,000 lives. Daniel Defoe was just five at the time of the plague, but he later called on his own memories, as well as his writing experience, to create this vivid chronicle of the epidemic and its victims. A Journal (1722) follows Defoe's fictional narrator as he traces the devastating progress of the plague through the streets of London. Here we see a city transformed: some of its streets suspiciously empty, some—with crosses on their doors—overwhelmingly full of the sounds and smells of human suffering. And every living citizen he meets has a horrifying story that demands to be heard.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Journal of the Plague Year?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of A Journal of the Plague Year?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780460002899
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Journal of the Plague Year?
Daniel Defoe
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Journal of the Plague Year is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780460002899) and hardcover(ISBN 9780460012898) and paperback(ISBN 9780140437850) and paperback(ISBN 9780140430158) and ebook(ISBN 9781101157886)
Where can I buy A Journal of the Plague Year online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A Journal of the Plague Year from below
Where can I buy A Journal of the Plague Year?