Daniel Defoe: William Minto

William Minto (October 10, 1845 - March 1, 1893) was a Scottish man of letters, born at Auchintoul, Aberdeenshire, and educated at the University of Aberdeen. From 1874 to 1878 he edited the "Examiner," and in 1872 he published a "Manual of English Prose Literature," which was distinguished by sound judgment and sympathetic appreciation; his "Characteristics of English Poets from Chaucer to Shirley" (1874) showed the same high qualities. His monograph on Daniel Defoe, which was published in 1879 in the "English Men of Letters" series is still considered to be the standard biography of the genius who has created the wonderful adventures of Robinson Crusoe.