The Originals: Robinson Crusoe - Om Books

"First published in 1719, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is one of the foremost works of English literature. A mix of adventure fiction, travelogue and autobiography, the novel was a huge success following its publication, running into several prints within Defoe's lifetime. Although the novel is believed to have been based on the story of the Scottish castaway Alexander Selkirk, Defoe masterfully crafts the main story into a fascinating tale of ambition, adventure, spiritualism and bravery. The protagonist and narrator, Robinson Crusoe, writes about his voyages at sea and his mercantile drive which take him far from his native England. In the course of his journey, he is enslaved, shipwrecked on an island in the midst of cannibals, travels to Brazil and secures a plantation, besides much else. This wonderful tale gave rise to a literary genre, the Robinsonade. Robinson Crusoe remains an evergreen classic and has been adapted to film, television, comics and video games."


Daniel Defoe (1660-1731), an English political pamphleteer, journalist and novelist was best known for his groundbreaking novels Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Moll Flanders (1722). Before becoming a writer, Defoe faced several hardships as a failing businessman who was constantly in debt. Moreover, his political pamphlets repeatedly led to his imprisonment.
It was only around the age of 59 that Defoe set off completely on a literary course and published his magnum opus Robinson Crusoe. This novel sealed his reputation as a writer. Thereafter followed other renowned works of fiction such as Moll Flanders (1722), Colonel Jack (1722) and The Fortunate Mistress: or, A History of the Life (1724).