Rogues and Vagabonds From Swift, Bunyan, Defoe, Francis Godwin, Henry Neville, and Aphra Behn

'Rogues and Vagabonds' is a compelling anthology that brings together the works of several masters of early English literature, curated to highlight the evolution of the picaresque and the social outsider in fiction. This collection features selections from iconic authors such as Jonathan Swift, John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, Francis Godwin, Henry Neville, and Aphra Behn, offering a broad perspective on the shifting landscapes of 17th and 18th-century prose. The volume explores the figure of the ’rogue’-the wanderer, the trickster, and the social outcast-as a central protagonist through which these writers critiqued morality, society, and human nature. From allegorical journeys and satirical voyages to early examples of realism and adventure, the works included demonstrate the rich diversity of styles and themes that laid the groundwork for the modern novel. By assembling these influential voices, 'Rogues and Vagabonds' provides readers with a deep understanding of the literary archetypes that have shaped Western storytelling. It serves as an essential survey of English literary history, capturing the spirit of an era where the boundaries of adventure and social commentary were being masterfully redefined by some of the most celebrated names in letters.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.