The History and Remarkable Life of the Truly Honourable Colonel Jacque Commonly Called Colonel Jack

by Daniel Defoe

Colonel Jack tells the story of a young man born into poverty who rises to prominence through a series of adventures, including acts of crime and deception. The novel follows Colonel Jack from his early days as a beggar and pickpocket to his eventual ascent into a position of wealth and respectability.

The narrative is structured around Colonel Jack's various escapades, which include his involvement in criminal activities, his travels, and his encounters with different social classes. Despite his dubious methods, Jack often displays a certain charm and cleverness that endears him to readers. Throughout the novel, he grapples with issues of morality, identity, and the consequences of his actions.

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

About the author

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.
Defoe was a prolific and versatile writer, producing more than three hundred works—books, pamphlets, and journals—on diverse topics, including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology and the supernatural. He was also a pioneer of business journalism and economic journalism.