The Swiss Family Robinson; or Adventures in a Desert Island

"The Swiss Family Robinson; or Adventures in a Desert Island" by Johann David Wyss is a novel written during the early 19th century. The story chronicles the survival of a Swiss family, who find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island after a violent storm. The narrative focuses on the resourcefulness and the collaborative efforts of the family members to build a new life, encapsulating their journey from despair to hope and adventure. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the family as they endure a harrowing shipwreck. The father, a Swiss clergyman, leads his wife and four sons, facing the initial panic and uncertainty of their survival. They manage to find safety on land, and the father emphasizes faith and resilience to keep hope alive amid adversity. The opening portion sets the tone for their adventure, as they begin to scavenge for essential supplies and plan their next steps for survival on the island, showcasing themes of family unity, perseverance, and the importance of faith in overcoming challenges. (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.