Robinson Crusoe, Told to the Children by John Lang

"Robinson Crusoe, Told to the Children" by John Lang, building on the original narrative by Daniel Defoe, is a children’s adaptation of a classic adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This retelling focuses on the journey of the main character, Robinson Crusoe, as he is shipwrecked on a deserted island and learns to survive in isolation for many years. The story emphasizes themes of self-reliance, resilience, and the struggle against despair, making it a compelling tale for young readers. The opening of the text introduces Robinson Crusoe, a young man who yearns for adventure at sea, defying his father's wishes for him to stay home and pursue a stable career. His adventures take a dire turn when he becomes shipwrecked, leading to a series of challenges as he learns to provide for himself on the island. Initially frightened and overwhelmed, Crusoe gradually builds a life for himself amidst the loneliness, showing resourcefulness and determination. His story sets the stage for numerous trials, discoveries, and encounters that encapsulate his transformation from a naïve youth to a seasoned survivor, highlighting the trials that will shape his character throughout this captivating journey. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Daniel Defoe was an English novelist, journalist, merchant, pamphleteer and spy. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. He has been seen as one of the earliest proponents of the English novel, and helped to popularise the form in Britain with others such as Aphra Behn and Samuel Richardson. Defoe wrote many political tracts, was often in trouble with the authorities, and spent a period in prison. Intellectuals and political leaders paid attention to his fresh ideas and sometimes consulted him.