Daniel Defoe was born Daniel Foe in London, England on September 13, 1660. He changed his surname in 1703, adding the more genteel "De" before his own name to suggest a higher social standing. He was a novelist, journalist, and political agent. His writings covered a wide range of topics. His novels include Robinson Crusoe, Moll Flanders, Roxana, Captain Singleton, and Colonel Jack. He wrote A Tour Thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain, which is an important source of English economic life, and ghost stories including A True Relation of the Apparition of One Mrs. Veal. He also wrote satirical poems and pamphlets and edited a newspaper. He was imprisoned and pilloried for his controversial… work, The Shortest Way with the Dissenters, which suggested that all non-Conformist ministers be hanged. He died on April 24, 1731.
Rhode Island-based writer Melissa Mowry is the voice behind the popular blog, One Mother to Another, where she chronicles modern day challenges in parenthood with wit and heart. Her work has been featured on many popular websites including The Huffington Post and Scary Mommy, and she's been named one of the Funniest Parents on Facebook by TODAY Parents. Melissa resides in the Ocean State with her husband and their two boys. For more information, visit her website www.one-mother-to-another.com.