An Humble Proposal to the People of England, for the Increase of their Trade, and Encouragement of Their Manufactures Whether the Present Uncertainty of Affairs Issues in Peace or War

"An Humble Proposal to the People of England, for the Increase of their Trade,…" by the Author of the COMPLETE TRADESMAN is a treatise focused on trade and economic improvement, written during the early 18th century. This publication seeks to address the health of England’s commerce and manufacturing, advocating for enhanced productivity and self-reliance among the English people in their economic pursuits. The book proposes that national prosperity hinges on the vigorous improvement of trade and the cultivation of manufacturing capabilities, particularly the woollen industry. The author critiques the prevailing attitudes towards indolence and negligence that have hindered progress, urging for a collective awakening to the nation’s potential. Through various arguments, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining domestic production and consumption of wool, highlights the detrimental impact of relying on foreign imports, and calls for innovation in marketing and expanding trade routes. The central message is a rallying cry to harness England's resources and labor for greater economic self-sufficiency and global competitiveness. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Daniel Defoe was an English novelist, journalist, merchant, pamphleteer and spy. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. He has been seen as one of the earliest proponents of the English novel, and helped to popularise the form in Britain with others such as Aphra Behn and Samuel Richardson. Defoe wrote many political tracts, was often in trouble with the authorities, and spent a period in prison. Intellectuals and political leaders paid attention to his fresh ideas and sometimes consulted him.