006 - Ch 4 - 'Tis very observable

The Storm (1704) is a cornerstone of Daniel Defoes literary legacy, often hailed as a seminal work in the evolution of modern journalism. This gripping narrative recounts the devastating events of November 1703, detailed in the first four chapters, followed by firsthand accounts from survivors that Defoe meticulously gathered through a newspaper advertisement shortly after the hurricanes fury. While Defoe is primarily known for his later fictional works, such as Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Moll Flanders (1722), The Storm serves as the crucible where his journalistic prowess melded with narrative artistry. Its vivid, realistic portrayal and emphasis on the telling detail set the stage for his subsequent novels. Remarkably, The Plague Year (1722) continues to be a crucial text for journalism students, alongside this non-fiction account of The Storm. –Denny Sayers