Robinson Crusoe (Full Translation with Illustrations)

Author: Daniel Defoe (British)
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not available
Features: Robinson Crusoe is a novel with enduring charm. It was published in 1719 and, for over 280 years, has not only long since flown beyond the British Isles but also taken root in various languages around the world, becoming a renowned gem in the garden of foreign literary masterpieces. It is a book for all ages and tastes, captivating readers of all backgrounds and ages with its fascinating plot. Young readers, of course, are naturally drawn to the thrilling and adventurous story of a man who sails across the seas, faces shipwrecks, and finds themselves stranded on a deserted island, becoming utterly engrossed in the dream of one day setting out on their own and braving the storms of the ocean. However, for erudite thinkers and sharp-eyed writers, the book is like a rich mine, revealing various sociological, economic, and literary resources. For example, the outstanding French thinker Rousseau praised the book as "a classic of solving problems rationally and learning through practice"; the revolutionary leader Marx used its plot to illustrate his economic theories; and the globally renowned Irish novelist James Joyce, famous for Ulysses, called Robinson Crusoe "England's Ulysses," discovering in him "the true archetype of the British imperial colonizer," and also said that Crusoe "completely embodies the qualities of the Anglo-Saxons: the independence of a man, unconscious cruelty, slow yet effective intellect, sexual indifference, practicality, clear religious faith, and shrewd silence" (the above examples are quoted from the preface to Robinson Crusoe in Professor Dolly Roberts' "New Classics Series"). As for in the realm of literature, Robinson Crusoe has given rise to countless literary works, including imitations and adaptations into other literary genres. Its widespread and profound influence continues to ripple and endure to this day. The conception of Robinson Crusoe came from the personal experiences of Alexander Selkirk. Selkirk was originally a sailor on a ship. In September 1704, due to a conflict with the captain, he was marooned on the largest of three islands near Chile for four years and four months. However, when he arrived on the island, he had a tool chest full of tools. In February 1709, he was rescued by Captain Woodes Rogers. Both Selkirk and Crusoe are said to have had experiences of hunting goats and wearing goat hides, and both were troubled by cats; they both tamed goats and kept cats as companions, and both took time to pray to God. However, Defoe did not rely on Selkirk's experiences in other aspects; instead, he enriched the plot of Robinson Crusoe, highlighting Crusoe's strong will to survive, his determination to overcome difficulties and create tools, and his resilient character in resisting loneliness. He deepened the work's meaning, transforming a fleeting sensation of a sailor's adventure into a timeless literary masterpiece. What exactly did Defoe have that turned "lead into gold"? To answer this question, it is necessary to briefly narrate his life.