The Life of Mr. Richard Savage

‘The Life of Mr. Richard Savage’ is an incredibly interesting true crime book by Daniel Defoe. The book examines the case of the poet Richard Savage who murdered a man during a brawl in 1727. The salacious trial received great publicity at the time as wild accusations were made about both the criminal and the victim. Defoe provides invaluable insight into the crime and Savage’s attempt to receive a pardon from the Queen during his trial. This account of the murder stands out as Defoe delves deep into Savage’s fascinating childhood and troubled relationship with his adulterous mother that may have affected him in later years. ‘The Life of Mr. Richard Savage’ should be read by all true crime fans as it is a riveting account of one of the first famous true crime stories.

Daniel Defoe (1660 – 1731) is one of the most important authors in the English language. Defoe was one of the original English novelists and greatly helped to popularise the form. Defoe was highly prolific and is believed to have written over 300 works ranging from novels to political pamphlets. He was highly celebrated but also controversial as his writings influenced politicians but also led to Defoe being imprisoned. Defoe’s novels have been translated into many languages and are still read across the globe to this day. Some of his most famous books include ‘Moll Flanders’ and ‘Robinson Crusoe’ which was adapted into a movie starring Pierce Brosnan and Damian Lewis in 1997. Defoe’s influence on English novels cannot be understated and his legacy lives on to this day.