# Robinson Crusoe

> 1719 novel by Daniel Defoe

**Wikidata**: [Q483034](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q483034)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robinson_Crusoe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robinson-crusoe

## Summary
*Robinson Crusoe* is a 1719 novel by English writer Daniel Defoe, widely regarded as one of the first English novels and a foundational work in the literary genres of the developmental novel, robinsonade, and adventure fiction. The story follows the protagonist Robinson Crusoe, a castaway who spends 28 years on a remote island, and explores themes of isolation, survival, and human ingenuity.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner*
- **Author**: Daniel Defoe (1660–1731)
- **Publication Date**: April 25, 1719
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Genre**: Developmental novel, robinsonade, adventure fiction, literary work
- **Followed By**: *The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe* (1719)
- **Sitelink Count**: 99
- **Identifiers**:
  - VIAF: 175804708, 313856496
  - GND: 4281761-4
  - LCCN: n81045585
  - BnF: 119362145
  - SUDOC: 027287068
  - NDL: 00627083
  - Open Library: OL17706876W, OL45310W, OL411904W
  - Google Knowledge Graph: /m/0ff18
- **Aliases**: *The life and strange adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York*, *The life and strange adventures of Robinson Crusoe*
- **Digital Resources**:
  - Digital Defoe: [http://digitaldefoe.org/](http://digitaldefoe.org/)
  - NDL IIIF Manifest: [https://www.dl.ndl.go.jp/api/iiif/2537595/manifest.json](https://www.dl.ndl.go.jp/api/iiif/2537595/manifest.json)

## FAQs
**What is *Robinson Crusoe* about?**
*Robinson Crusoe* is a novel about a man named Robinson Crusoe who becomes stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck. The story chronicles his 28-year struggle for survival, his encounters with the island’s environment, and his eventual rescue.

**Who wrote *Robinson Crusoe*?**
The novel was written by Daniel Defoe, an English trader, writer, and journalist, who is also known for other works like *Moll Flanders* and *A Journal of the Plague Year*.

**What literary genres does *Robinson Crusoe* belong to?**
The novel is classified under multiple genres, including the developmental novel, robinsonade (a genre focused on isolation and survival), adventure fiction, and general literary work.

**Is *Robinson Crusoe* part of a series?**
Yes, the novel is followed by *The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe*, also published in 1719, which continues Crusoe’s story.

**What is the significance of *Robinson Crusoe* in literature?**
*Robinson Crusoe* is considered one of the first English novels and a pioneering work in realistic fiction. It helped establish the robinsonade genre and influenced later adventure and survival narratives.

**Are there digital versions of *Robinson Crusoe* available?**
Yes, digital versions and resources are available, including the Digital Defoe project ([http://digitaldefoe.org/](http://digitaldefoe.org/)) and a digitized copy via the National Diet Library of Japan’s IIIF manifest.

## Why It Matters
*Robinson Crusoe* is a landmark in literary history as one of the earliest English novels and a defining work of the robinsonade genre. Its exploration of themes like isolation, self-reliance, and human resilience has made it a timeless piece of literature, influencing countless adventure and survival stories. The novel’s realistic portrayal of a castaway’s life also reflects the Enlightenment-era fascination with individualism and empirical experience. Beyond literature, the story has permeated popular culture, inspiring adaptations in film, television, and other media, and remains a key text in discussions of colonialism, survival, and human ingenuity.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first English novels and a foundational work in realistic fiction.
- Establishing the robinsonade genre, characterized by themes of isolation and survival.
- Influencing later adventure and survival narratives in literature and popular culture.
- Featuring a detailed and realistic portrayal of a castaway’s life, reflecting Enlightenment ideals.
- Having a sequel, *The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe*, published the same year.
- Being widely translated and adapted, with a lasting impact on global literature.
- Serving as a cultural touchstone for discussions on colonialism, individualism, and resilience.

## Body
### Overview and Publication
*Robinson Crusoe* is a novel written by Daniel Defoe and first published on April 25, 1719. The full title of the work is *The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner: Who lived Eight and Twenty Years, all alone in an un-inhabited Island on the Coast of America, near the Mouth of the Great River of Oroonoque; Having been cast on Shore by Shipwreck, wherein all the Men perished but himself. With An Account how he was at last as strangely deliver'd by Pyrates. Written by Himself*. The novel is presented as an autobiography, a narrative device that enhances its realism.

### Author and Context
Daniel Defoe (1660–1731) was an English trader, writer, and journalist, known for his contributions to early journalism and fiction. *Robinson Crusoe* is one of his most famous works, alongside *Moll Flanders* and *A Journal of the Plague Year*. Defoe’s background in trade and his journalistic experience likely influenced the novel’s detailed and pragmatic depiction of survival.

### Genre and Literary Significance
*Robinson Crusoe* is classified under several literary genres:
- **Developmental Novel**: A genre focused on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist.
- **Robinsonade**: A genre centered on themes of isolation (e.g., desert islands), survival, and encounters with indigenous peoples or new environments.
- **Adventure Fiction**: A genre where adventure is the central storyline.
- **Literary Work**: A broader category encompassing written works valued for their artistic and intellectual content.

The novel is credited with helping to establish the robinsonade genre, which has since inspired numerous works of fiction, film, and other media. Its realistic narrative style and focus on individual survival have made it a cornerstone of English literature.

### Plot and Themes
The novel follows Robinson Crusoe, a young man from York who defies his family’s wishes to pursue a life at sea. After a series of misadventures, including being captured by pirates and escaping, Crusoe is shipwrecked on a remote island near the coast of America. He spends 28 years on the island, learning to survive by building shelter, farming, and domesticating animals. His solitude is eventually broken by the arrival of a native man, whom he names Friday, and the two form a bond. The novel explores themes of isolation, self-reliance, colonialism, and the human capacity for adaptation.

### Sequels and Adaptations
*Robinson Crusoe* was followed by *The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe*, also published in 1719, which continues Crusoe’s story after his rescue from the island. The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, cementing its place in popular culture.

### Digital and Academic Resources
The novel is widely available in digital formats, including:
- **Digital Defoe**: A project dedicated to digitizing and analyzing Defoe’s works, available at [http://digitaldefoe.org/](http://digitaldefoe.org/).
- **National Diet Library of Japan**: A digitized copy of the novel is accessible via the IIIF manifest at [https://www.dl.ndl.go.jp/api/iiif/2537595/manifest.json](https://www.dl.ndl.go.jp/api/iiif/2537595/manifest.json).

### Cultural and Historical Impact
*Robinson Crusoe* has had a profound influence on literature and culture. It is often cited as one of the first novels in English and a key text in the development of realistic fiction. The novel’s themes of survival and isolation have resonated with readers for centuries, and its portrayal of colonial encounters has sparked discussions on imperialism and cultural exchange. The character of Robinson Crusoe has become an archetype of the self-reliant individual, inspiring countless adaptations and reinterpretations.

### Related Entities
- **Daniel Defoe**: The author of *Robinson Crusoe* and other notable works.
- **Robinsonade**: The literary genre named after the novel, focusing on isolation and survival.
- **The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe**: The sequel to the original novel.
- **Robinson Club**: A German hotel company named after the novel’s protagonist.
- **Robinson Crusoe Economy**: A term in economics referring to a simplified economy with one consumer, one producer, and two goods.

### Legacy
*Robinson Crusoe* remains a seminal work in English literature, studied for its narrative techniques, themes, and historical context. Its influence extends beyond literature into economics, psychology, and popular culture, making it a enduring symbol of human resilience and ingenuity.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Life and adventures of Robinson Crusoe. by Daniel Defoe | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL45310W/Robinson_Crusoe?edition=key%3A/books/OL24144374M)
6. Q136534809
7. BBC Things
8. [Source](https://wolnelektury.pl/katalog/lektura/robinson-crusoe/)
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
10. CC 6
11. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute