For more than 270 years, readers everywhere have been fascinated by the young fool who ran away from wealth, security, and family for a rough life at sea – and came to his senses too late, alone on a tropical island. Alone except for cannibals, that is, and God. Robinson Crusoe’s adventure takes place on a remote island. Adjusting to the primitive conditions, he learns to make tools, shelters, bread, and clothes. More importantly, he becomes a Christian. 

          Published in 1719, towards the end of Defoe’s distinguished career as a man of letters, “Robinson Crusoe” can be regarded as one of the first English novels, if not the first. 

          Written during an age of exploration and enterprise, it has been interpreted as an embodiment of British imperialist values, as a portrayal of 'natural man’, or as a moral fable. But above all it is a brilliant narrative, depicting Crusoe’s transformation from a terrified survivor to a self-sufficient master of his own island.