Robinson Crusoe: Daniel Defoe

A vessel founders on rocks and sinks - and a classic tale of survival begins. The island is a test of self-sufficiency and is both Crusoe's Eden and enemy, his Utopia and his prison. His home, clothing, tools and beliefs are made for this new world, with a little help from the wreck of the old. In this new world he finds a true innocent - 'Good Friday'. Providence has provided a companion and so at last it permits release - Crusoe escapes from the island to munificence, taking Friday with him. Deliverance? Or perdition? An adventure-tale - or a spiritual allegory? It's up to the reader...Cover illustration by M Mouilleron from the 1891 edition.