(1719) Robinson Crusoe

Written by Daniel Defoe. Robinson Crusoe is a sea traveler. When a storm causes the near deaths of Crusoe and his friend, the friend is dissuaded from sea travel, but Crusoe still goes on to set himself up as merchant on a ship leaving London. After a successful voyage, he plans another, which proves to be disastrous. He shipwrecks on an island and must survive on meager means. He teaches a native named Friday some basic, elementary English words. Crusoe finally departs for the East Indies as a trader in 1694. He revisits his island, finding that the Spaniards are governing it well and that it has become a prosperous colony.