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Robinson Crusoe
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Parastoo Souezi - Chief Editor

ISBN9786003593862

Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe is a young, affluent man from the region of York, England, who embarks on a sea journey for adventure without informing his family. Throughout this journey, he encounters unexpected dangers and incidents, resulting in being stranded on a remote and uninhabited island for years. This novel holds a special place in English classical literature, and even after many years since its initial publication, it continues to be highly regarded. We recommend reading this beautiful 64-page book to everyone.

by

Daniel Defoe

Translator / Cover Artist

Shayesteh Ebrahimi / Rasool Ahmadi

Publishers

International Gaj Publisher

In the bustling town of York during the seventeenth century, a young Englishman named Robinson Crusoe is born into a family of German descent. Expected to pursue a career in law, Crusoe harbors a burning desire for the sea. Despite his family’s objections, he succumbs to the call of the ocean. This decision sets the stage for a life marked by tumultuous voyages and unforeseen adventures.

Embarking on a ship bound for London, Crusoe’s maritime journey takes an unexpected turn when a fierce storm nearly claims his life. While his friend abandons the treacherous sea, Crusoe remains undeterred, establishing himself as a prosperous merchant in London. His early successes allow him to plan another voyage, entrusting his profits to a benevolent widow.

The subsequent journey, however, proves less fortunate. The ship falls prey to Moorish pirates, and Crusoe finds himself enslaved in the North African town of Sallee. An audacious escape during a fishing expedition leads him to the benevolence of a Portuguese captain, who becomes a pivotal figure in Crusoe’s life. The captain purchases a slave boy from Crusoe and transports him to Brazil, marking a new chapter in Crusoe’s tumultuous existence.

In Brazil, Crusoe’s resilience and determination shine as he establishes himself as a prosperous plantation owner. Eager for economic advantages, he embarks on a fateful expedition to West Africa to gather slave labor. The voyage, however, takes a disastrous turn, culminating in a shipwreck off the coast of Trinidad. Crusoe, now stranded and alone, faces the challenges of survival in an unfamiliar and unforgiving environment.

His resourcefulness comes to the fore as Crusoe salvages supplies from the wreckage, constructs shelter, and learns to adapt to his isolated surroundings. A meticulously maintained journal becomes a record of his struggles and triumphs. The discovery of a mysterious footprint on the beach introduces the specter of cannibals, forcing Crusoe to fortify his defenses and adopt vigilant routines.

A significant turning point occurs when Crusoe encounters a fellow human on the island, a victim fleeing from cannibals. This individual, named Friday in commemoration of the day he was liberated, becomes a loyal companion. The bond between Crusoe and Friday deepens as Crusoe imparts knowledge, language, and cultural understanding.

Their harmonious existence is disrupted when the island becomes a stage for a clash between Crusoe’s community and a group of cannibals. A tense confrontation unfolds, with Crusoe emerging victorious, further solidifying his mastery over the island. The narrative takes an unexpected twist with the arrival of English mutineers, setting the stage for a strategic game of wits and survival.

As the story unfolds, Crusoe and Friday navigate through the complexities of their newfound community, confrontations with outsiders, and the looming specter of rescue and return to civilization. The gradual transformation of the island from a realm of isolation to a thriving colony under Spanish rule serves as a testament to Crusoe’s resilience and adaptability.

Upon returning to England, Crusoe is confronted with the stark realities of his absence. Family losses weigh heavy on his heart, but the revelation of considerable wealth from Brazilian plantations provides a silver lining. Restless and dissatisfied, Crusoe seeks solace in marriage, only to face the agony of widowhood.

Undeterred by personal tragedy, Crusoe’s thirst for adventure and commerce propels him toward the East Indies in 1694. The final chapter of his remarkable journey sees him revisiting the island, now governed by Spaniards and flourishing as a prosperous colony. Crusoe’s odyssey, marked by adversity, resilience, and self-discovery, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human will.

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