Final answer:
Daniel Defoe's most famous work is the novel 'Robinson Crusoe,' published in 1719, which played a pivotal role in the development of the English novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The famous work written by Daniel Defoe is the novel Robinson Crusoe, which was first published in 1719. Robinson Crusoe is considered one of the earliest novels in English literature and is widely acclaimed for its narrative and adventure elements. This novel contributed significantly to the rise of the novel during the eighteenth century and remains an important piece of literary history. Defoe's writing allowed readers, including women who had limited access to such literature, to immerse themselves in the exploration of different worlds and perspectives, leaving a lasting impact on the development of the English novel.