There are many authors of this time that reflect the values that were synonymous with trade as well as being of increasing importance. Of the many authors Daniel Defoe may be seen as one of the more prolific. The novels such as Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders both have several references to trade and the way that this is seen. In Moll Flanders “I was courted by several very considerable tradesmen” is a reference to tradesmen and the wealth they are able to accumulate . However, there are also indications that trade alone does not make a fortune for a gentleman, as there are references to

Eighteenth century fictional writings were able to explore both sides of trade . Whereas non-fiction authors may have be more reluctant to undertake this. As it is trade that is already benefiting the authors and the specialties in which they live. The societal attitudes of the eighteenth century had little consideration of the negative impacts of international trade. This may be seen as part of the contemporary western attitude of superiority and faith in free trade. However, whatever type of eighteenth century writing is considered, and whatever the role trade plays within that work, there can be little doubt about the importance of trade and commerce in eighteenth century life.

Jonathan Swift is an author that reflects this in his work. Gulliver’s Travels, written in 1727. This was an interesting work as initially it was published anonymously as it was making fun of many political figures of the time, such as the Lilliputian Emperor being George I of England and the Empress being Queen Anne and England was represented by Lilliput Brobdingnag, Laputa and Houyhnhnms . However, the book is also a reflection of the aspects of trade and commerce of the time. The background is one of politics, but trade and commerce is a key aspect of politics and we see trade integrated into the political background. This reflected political relations “from the great intercourse of trade and commerce between both realms” (Swift). Here we also see the way that trade impacts on the skills of life and their increased demands make learning and education of greater importance, hence the comments made by Daniel DeFoe . It is interesting to note that there is also some criticism of the political way in which empires and colonial powers are run, as Swift states the opinion in the book that there are few legitimate reasons for being in different countries: “He asked, what business we had out of our own islands, unless upon the score of trade, or treaty, or to defend the coasts with our fleet?" (Swift).

The power of commerce is also seen in The Life, Adventures and Piracies of the Famous Captain Singleton, where when seeking to avoid the Dutch when they land on the South Coast of Ceylon , as this trade had given the Dutch control: “We put in upon the south

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