The Swiss Family Robinson: A Translation from the Original German

"The Swiss Family Robinson: A Translation from the Original German" by Johann Rudolf Wyss, edited by William H.G. Kingston, is a classic adventure novel written in the early 19th century. The story centers around the Robinson family, who find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island, prompting a struggle for survival and the exploration of their resourcefulness and family dynamics in the face of adversity. The opening of the narrative plunges readers into the chaos of a violent storm at sea, where the father navigates the crisis as their ship is wrecked. As the crew panics and ultimately abandons the family, the father and his four sons gather courage and begin to make plans for their survival on the shore, fashioning makeshift swimming belts and gathering resources from the wreck. They face initial challenges, including the fear of being alone and the urgency of establishing a temporary refuge. The family’s strong bond and reliance on one another shine through as they transition from despair to a hopeful outlook for the future, setting the tone for a tale of adventure and resilience. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Johann David Wyss was a Swiss author, best remembered for his book The Swiss Family Robinson (1812). He was born and died in Bern. It is said that he was inspired by Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, but wanted to write a story from which his own children would learn, as the father in the story taught important lessons to his children. The Swiss Family Robinson was first published in German in 1812, then translated into English two years later. The book was edited by his son, Johann Rudolf Wyss, a scholar known for writing the Swiss national anthem, Rufst du, mein Vaterland. Another of Wyss's sons, Johann Emmanuel Wyss, illustrated the book. Johann David Wyss died in 1818 at the age of 74. He lived longer than his son Johann Rudolf, who would die twelve years later at the age of 48.