Robinson Crusoe [Hardcover]

Daniel Defoe (Author), N.c. Wyeth (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

The dramatic, vibrant illustrations of noted American artist N. C. Wyeth enhance this large-format edition of Daniel Defoe's classic tale. The thrilling saga of the English sailor marooned on a desert island, originally published in 1719, is retold here for children aged 4 to 8, who will be captivated by the castaway's adventures and struggle for survival.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) was born in London. He was a merchant, soldier, journalist, and secret agent for William III. Throughout his life he wrote hundreds of books and pamphlets on social, political and economic topics. Originally published in 1719, Robinson Crusoe was based partly on the autobiography of a real-life castaway - Alexander Selkirk. Steve Zorn is a former editor of Running Press. He has written other children's classics (Courage) in the 9.98 format such as The Classic Book of Best-loved Bedtime Stories; Mostly Ghostly; Eight Spooky Tales to Chill Your Bones; Mostly Monsters; Eight Terrifying Tales to Tingle Your Spine; and Start Exploring[trademark] Masterpieces. N.C. Wyeth (1882-1945) was an American illustrator and painter. His best known illustrations are for Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, Stevenson's novels (Treasure Island, Kidnapped, The Black Arrow) and an edition of Robin Hood.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Courage Books (August 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762414197
• ISBN-13: 978-0762414192
• Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #721,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Didn't want it to end, July 9, 2003

By 

Jennifer B. Barton "Beth Barton" (McKinney, Tx) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Robinson Crusoe (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book on many levels. Despite his father forbidding it and providing sound advice about taking the moderate road, Robinson yearns to become a seaman. From the moment he directly disobeys his father and goes to sea, the Hand of Providence becomes central to the plot. From shipwrecks to slavery the point seems to keep being driven home to him that he is not following the correct path. When he begins living in the manner that he is 'supposed' to live, he excels and would do well. Each time he steps out of line, however, he is slapped with disaster until Providence is his sole companion and he has a wealth of time to consider his choices. It is an intriguing look at the grip religion had on the people of DeFoe's time as well as one hell of a great adventure story. I wished that it would keep on going.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Have a classic experience!, May 8, 2004

By 

andris virsnieks (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Robinson Crusoe (Hardcover)

I re-read the book after 40 years and was startled at how good it is. If you are an old-timer and have forgotten it, read it again. You will see once again why it is a classic. I highly recommend it.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great language and characterization, July 18, 2003

By 

"lovely7980" (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Robinson Crusoe (Hardcover)

This is not a novel for those who like quick action and a lot of dialogue. Robinson Crusoe is superbly written, and tends to draw out the events, with a great deal of imagery provided in order to describe everything with minute details. Seeing as to how this is one of my favorite novels, I have read Robinson Crusoe probably about six times, in more than one language. My favorite aspect of this novel is the language in which it is written. Defoe's ability to make every word worth reading is enough to captivate and ignite the imagination. I do not think that if you like fast-paced novels that you would enjoy this masterpiece, but it is a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy well-developed character, then Robinson Crusoe's character is one worth devoting your time to. Defoe creates a human being, with faults and flaws, as well as dignified qualities. Robinson Crusoe is truly worthy of emulation, and is one of the greatest-developed characters in a work of literature. I recommend this novel to anyone who is willing to take the time to read every sentence and who is not so impatient as to expect action to appear on every page of the novel.