The idea of calling Robinson Crusoe an allegory was in all probability an after-thought, perhaps suggested by a derisive parody which had appeared, entitled The life and strange surprising adventures of Daniel de Foe, of London, hosier, who lived all alone in the uninhabited island of Great Britain, and so forth.
"Daniel Defoe"
William Minto
When taunted afterwards with having been apprentice to a hosier, he indignantly denied the fact, and explained that though he had been a trader in hosiery he had never been a shopkeeper.
"Daniel Defoe"
William Minto
He was in business as a hosier some years ago but he is now only a grocer and baker.
"Second Shetland Truck System Report"
William Guthrie