Robinson Crusoe (Penguin Classics) by Daniel Defoe

by Daniel Defoe

Excellent Book

Genres: Classics

Unknown Binding

About the author

Daniel Defoe was an English novelist, journalist, merchant, pamphleteer and spy. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. He has been seen as one of the earliest proponents of the English novel, and helped to popularise the form in Britain with others such as Aphra Behn and Samuel Richardson. Defoe wrote many political tracts, was often in trouble with the authorities, and spent a period in prison. Intellectuals and political leaders paid attention to his fresh ideas and sometimes consulted him.
Defoe was a prolific and versatile writer, producing more than three hundred works—books, pamphlets, and journals—on diverse topics, including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology and the supernatural. He was also a pioneer of business journalism and economic journalism.

Reviews

[Alexa Giammaria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me :( He was stranded on that good forsaken island for 28 years and when he is saved there were no tears or a care in the world. And then he set sail on ANOTHER voyage?! Perhaps I’d like this book better if I was a man.

[Raman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the introduction, which tells us so much about the author of one of the very firsts novels in English literature. It’s a bit sad to learn that Defoe himself died hiding from creditors despite his success today. The story, wich deals with themes of isolation, colonialism, self-reliance, and a great deal of religion, was detailed enough for me to really put myself in Crusoe’s shoes. However, I found the ending rather unsatisfying and not as strong as the rest of the novel…

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likely the first novel in English, it’s an exciting adventure and a story of civilization. The colonizing mindset does trouble my 21st century sensibility, but it fits into a story that is full of moral choices. My only complaint is that I think he didn’t know how to end it.

[John Branigin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because Dickens and Collins both mention it in their books. It may have been an action-packed thriller in the 18th century, but it's a little too stiff for me. Also, too many animals killed by the protagonist.

[kylo · Rating 4 out of 5]

tamam en avrupali sensin dur artik