Who has not dreamed of life on an exotic isle, far away from civilization? Here is the novel which has inspired countless imitations by lesser writers, none of which equal the power and originality of Defoe's famous book. Robinson Crusoe, set ashore on an island after a terrible storm at sea, is forced to make do with only a knife, some tobacco, and a pipe. He learns how to build a canoe, make bread, and endure endless solitude. That is, until, twenty-four years later, when he confronts another human being. First published in 1719, Robinson Crusoe has been praised by such writers as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Samuel Johnson as one of the greatest novels in the English language.

Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) trained for the ministry, became a political journalist, and finally, to many, became "the father of the English novel." He is also the author of Moll Flanders.

Foreword

A Warning

The Storm

Pirates

Escape from Slavery

Brazil

Shipwreck

Sole Survivor

First Days

The Journal: Food and Shelter

The Journal

The Journal: Natural Disasters

The Journal: Illness

The Journal: Recovery

The Journal: Exploring the Island

The Journal: Of Pots and Canoes

Journal: Reflections

No Escape

Further Improvements

A Footprint

Bones

Fear and Isolation

The Lost Ship

Encounter with Savages

Friday Observed

Friday Instructed

New Plans

Savages Return

Prisoners Freed

The Mutineers

Ship Recaptured

Return to England

Adventures with Friday

Island Again