Robinson Crusoe

By: Daniel Defoe

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Widely regarded as the first English novel, Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is one of the most popular and influential adventure stories of all time.

This classic tale of shipwreck and survival on an uninhabited island was an instant success when first published in 1719, and it has inspired countless imitations.

In his own words, Robinson Crusoe tells of the terrible storm that drowned all his shipmates and left him marooned on a deserted island. Forced to overcome despair, doubt, and self-pity, he struggles to create a life for himself in the wilderness. From practically nothing, Crusoe painstakingly learns how to make pottery, grow crops, domesticate livestock, and build a house. His many adventures are recounted in vivid detail, including a fierce battle with cannibals and his rescue of Friday, the man who becomes his trusted companion.

Full of enchanting detail and daring heroics, Robinson Crusoe is a celebration of courage, patience, ingenuity, and hard work.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

Enjoyable except for the things that cause wincing

I have always wanted to read this book, and this audio edition was a great way to get to it. The performance of the reader was perfect; very understandable, and just enough of a British accent to add some zest but not interfere with comprehension. As for the things that made me wince, it had the effect of causing me to better appreciate that we have at least made some progress as a species. The author is very casual about the buying and selling of humans, and considers that “savages” have been done a huge favor to be clothed and made into grateful, docile slaves of Europeans. The protagonist doesn’t seem to value his pets, nor does he seem to give the slightest thought to lack of a sexual partner. It makes the protagonist seem pretty cold hearted, in my opinion.

Perfect narration for a well loved story

A favorite story of mine since childhood read in a voice perfectly matching how I heard Robinson in my head. This book spurred a lifelong love of adventure and doing more with less. I was so happy to find it as a free audiobook on here. Thanks Audible!

It's a classic

Over all I found it okay. I'll give it full marks for being a classic, but honestly I found his constant successes a little tiring.

great book

it's a great book; good story that moves at a good pace. There is great adventure in this book.

the ages of Crusoe

Loved this story whe. I was a kid and still love it 60 6ears later

Amazing Detail

I enjoyed this book immensely. Do you think of the dangers that that sailors were subjected to in the 1600s makes my stomach churn. I couldn’t put this book down. It is truly an excellent read.

Thanks!

Muy buena lectura de un clásico literario en mi genero favorito de aventuras, especialmente marinas

Fun but long

A detailed story that gives enough description of the way Crusoe lived on the island to make it interesting. A good adventure epic classic. I enjoyed the story.

good, but 2nd best in English fiction lit, no

The only thing I knew of Robinson Crusoe was two guys, RC and Friday, stranded on a desert island. The story is a good one but I was surprised to see The Guardian list is as the no. 2 in the ranking of English novels. For today's reader, the fact that RC traded in enslaved Africans and saw nothing wrong with slavery is a downer. The occasional killing of animals for sport likewise. And, he had a dog for about 15 years who he never named! Or, didn't bother to reveal his name. He gets "religion" half way through but his proclamations of God's goodness seem shallow. When Friday asks him why, if God is all powerful,as RC tells Friday, doesn't God do away with the devil, RC has no answer, At least he acknowledges it to be a tough question.
Simon Vance's narration is top notch.
And, if like me, you want to educate yourself about classics of literature, the book is worth a listen.

When?

RN kind of read. Not tomorrow. RN. Not after the next one. RN.
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