The Daniel Defoe Library

In which the city, struck by the dread of the plague, wrought a sombre transformation upon its gaieties and diversions, and the common people, in their terror, fell prey to both quack remedies and superstitious charms, revealing the depths of human fear and folly. Meanwhile, the magistrates, guided by grave prudence, instituted strict regulations for identifying and isolating the infected, appointing officers to enforce the shutting up of houses and care for the afflicted, in a measured effort to curb the contagion’s spread.

In which the city of London, already swollen with a throng of new inhabitants and lofty fashions, finds itself overshadowed by strange celestial phenomena and an unsettled populace rife with fearful predictions, delusions, and many a wild oracle promising doom. Amidst this anxious backdrop, pious souls seek solace in prayer and repentance, while superstition and dread hold sway over the greater populace, weaving a tapestry of melancholy and astonishment upon the crowded streets and wretched lanes.

In which the return of the plague to London is quietly noted at first, then gradually becomes an undeniable and growing calamity affecting various parishes, stirring fear and causing the more affluent to flee the city in haste. The narrator wrestles with the agonising choice between abandoning his business and staying to face the peril, seeking divine guidance and ultimately resolving to remain at home amidst the mounting affliction.

In which the narrator recounts his encounters with a banished Russian prince who finds a greater felicity in self-mastery and restraint than in worldly authority, and undertakes a perilous journey through the harsh Siberian wilderness, encountering thieves and the stark realities of exile. The narrative quietly observes the struggles and resolutions of men amid unforgiving nature and the complex human conditions of liberty and captivity, concluding with a reflective return to England after many years.

In which the traveller and his companions journey through vast and perilous deserts, encountering fierce Tartars and pagan idolaters, whose irrational worship he boldly confronts and disrupts under cover of night. They find refuge in the Muscovite garrisons scattered across the wilds, and as winter approaches, the narrator resolves to winter in Siberia, where he is surprised to find company and civility amidst the harsh cold.

In which our narrator embarks from Pekin with a diverse and well-armed caravan laden with precious silks and spices, encountering wondrous sights such as a house entirely adorned with porcelain tiles, and traversing the vast and triflingly defended Chinese Wall. Along the journey through populous villages and wild deserts, he faces the hazards of Tartar raids, experiences a skirmish led by a valorous Scotsman, and witnesses the vigilance and necessity of unity amid a treacherous and lawless borderland.

In which our adventurers, having safely arrived in China, navigate the curiosities and complexities of a foreign land, engaging with missionaries, merchants, and mandarins whilst reflecting on the peculiarities of the Chinese empire. They prepare for a significant journey to Pekin, accompanied by a retinue, with the provision of a promising opportunity to return to Europe by joining a caravan of Muscovite and Polish merchants.

In which the crew of a beleaguered vessel fends off a hostile attack from local inhabitants using quick wit and seafaring skill, before seeking refuge and trade along the coast of China under the guidance of a seasoned Portuguese pilot. The narrator reflects upon the fears and moral considerations that beset them as they navigate threats not only of piracy but of cruel justice at the hands of foreign powers, contemplating providence and resolution amid uncertainty.

In which the narrator and his partner acquire a suspiciously sold ship and undertake a trading voyage in Eastern seas, encountering a grave accusation of piracy that compels them to evade hostile English and Dutch pursuers. Through careful navigation and counsel from a benevolent stranger, they seek refuge along the coast of Tonquin, grappling with the perils of foreign lands and the precarious state of their leaking vessel.

In which the narrator experiences a grave moral conflict and discord among the crew following a bloody and lamentable conflict ashore, which leads to his enforced absence from the ship and a solitary sojourn in a distant land. During this enforced stay, he engages in mercantile ventures with a fellow Englishman, exploring the trade and riches of foreign ports, while wrestling with a restless desire for both adventure and a return to home.

In which our intrepid traveller recounts a perilous encounter on the island of Madagascar, where a fragile truce with the native inhabitants is broken by an ill-advised act, leading to a night of dreadful violence and burning. The narrative unfolds with sober reflection on the fury of men and the heavy cost of rash revenge, as the author bears witness to a grim and fiery assault that leaves sorrow and ruin in its wake.

In which the endeavours to convert and civilise the island’s savages are advanced through the earnest labours of a newly devout woman and the distribution of a Bible, proving the fruit of patient instruction and divine providence. Following a grievous loss and a fierce encounter with native canoes, preparations are made for further settlement and supply of the colony, revealing the enduring spirit and trials of those who seek to cultivate a new society.

In which the narrative tenderly unfolds the transformation of a wild island community through the gentle power of sincere repentance, religious instruction, and solemn ceremony, revealing the profound effect of faith and charity even among the most untamed and unfamiliar. The story further depicts the establishment of order and settled property among diverse inhabitants, under gentle governance and the spirit of neighbourly concord, as the colony begins to take shape with careful attention to justice and humanity.

In which a devout clergyman earnestly exhorts the settlement’s English inhabitants to solemnly marry their native wives and to fervently instruct both them and their children in the knowledge of the Christian faith, pressing the importance of spiritual salvation above all worldly concerns. With heartfelt discourse and solemn ceremonies, the narrative paints a tender scene of awakening conscience, repentance, and the delicate endeavour to bring heathen souls within the tender mercy of Christ’s Church.

In which the narrator relates earnest dialogues with the Spaniards about their despair and struggles amid savages, and recounts his own efforts to unite and provide for the divided colony, furnishing them with tools, supplies, and skilled artificers to improve their condition. He also introduces a reflective French ecclesiastic whose grave admonitions concerning the moral and religious conduct of the inhabitants prompt considerations pivotal to the colony’s future well-being.

In which a formidable host of savages challenges the small colony, leading to fierce encounters that strain the men’s courage and resources, yet through stratagem and perseverance they prevail and gradually tame their foes into a subdued and helpful community. The narrative then turns to peaceful industry and ingenious constructions, with the colony making remarkable progress in civilising the natives, fostering growth, and establishing a manner of rustic order and domesticity upon the island.

In which a serious altercation arises between the Englishmen and Spaniards, leading to the exile of the troublesome Englishmen who later embark upon a perilous voyage to capture natives, only to return with a difficult burden of prisoners. Their colony, divided and marked by contrasting industry and negligence, faces a savage incursion that tests their courage and unity, revealing both the frailty and fortitude of their human condition upon the island.

In which the uneasy peace between two factions of English settlers and Spaniards on a secluded island is marked by threats, ruinous assaults, and cautious forgiveness, all under the watchful eye of the Spaniards who strive to maintain order amidst discord. The arrival of hostile native parties and a fierce battle between them forces these uneasy neighbours to unite in secrecy and prudence, fostering a hard-won period of quiet and concealment to preserve their fragile existence.

In which a ship in desperate plight is encountered and succoured by providential aid, revealing the cruel effects of starvation and neglect upon its crew and passengers, while the narrator returns to the island of old habitation to find unexpected company and new complexities among those left behind. The narrative unfolds with the mingling of savages and Europeans, uneasy alliances, rising discord, and a glimpse into the governance and conduct of men marooned far from civilisation.

In which the narrative recounts a gentleman, aged beyond sixty, grappling with a restless yearning to revisit his distant island plantation despite settled domestic life and recent bereavement, leading him to equip a voyage laden with provisions and men skilled for colonisation. Along their passage, providence intercedes in the form of a burning ship at sea, whose survivors they rescue, and the tale unfolds with observations on human passions in the face of deliverance and disaster.

In which my companion Friday, with a bold and cunning spirit, engages a massive bear in a surprising contest, providing much-needed diversion amidst a perilous journey through snow-covered forests haunted by ravenous wolves. We face a harrowing encounter with these fierce creatures that tests our wits and courage before reaching safety and reflecting on the varied fortunes and ventures that have shaped my life hitherto.

In which I take my leave of the island after many years, return to England a stranger to all, and set about recovering and managing the estate I had left behind in the Brazils, aided by an honest old captain and confronted with the difficulties of trust and travel. Then, after much reflection and preparation, I embark on a perilous overland journey through snow-covered mountains, where my faithful servant Friday’s courage proves a timely rescue against a dangerous attack by wolves.

In which a careful stratagem unfolds as a small company, beleaguered yet resolute, confronts a band of mutinous men whose defeat and surrender marks a turning point in their fortunes. The narrative gently traces the parley, the securing of prisoners, and the gracious provision for their confinement, all bathed in reflections on providence and the hard-won deliverance granted by Heaven’s unseen hand.

In which the good Robinson, after much discourse with a loyal Spaniard and his aged savage guide, contemplates the relief of shipwrecked countrymen stranded on the main, prudently securing provisions and allies ere venturing forth. At length, a confounding arrival of mutinous Englishmen sets the stage for cautious parley and stratagem, as he prepares to assert command and recover lost honour and safety upon his solitary isle.

In which the narrator and his devoted companion Friday undertake the labourious construction of a large canoe, fully rigged for navigation, as they prepare for a bold voyage to the mainland with hopes of seeking out fellow men. Their quiet preparations are interrupted by the arrival of hostile natives, prompting a fierce encounter in which the narrator rescues two prisoners, including Friday’s father, thus transforming his solitary domain into a small but varied community under his command.

In which a savage named Friday is taught to forsake his former cannibalistic ways through the artful use of English cookery, and a friendship is forged as he learns the civil customs and labour of his new master. The discourse turns to matters of faith and salvation, wherein Crusoe instructs Friday in Christian doctrine, muses on the nature of God and the devil, and contemplates the hope of rescue and the company of other white men beyond the isle.

In which the solitary exile, after long reflection on the folly of discontent with one’s lot and the mercies of Providence, resolves upon a bold design to secure companionship and assistance by capturing one of the savage natives recently landed upon the shore. By a fortunate encounter with a fleeing captive whom he saves from his pursuers, he gains a faithful servant named Friday, whose presence transforms his solitary life and affords him new hopes and comforts amidst the wild dangers of the island.

In which I recount my settled life on the isle, accompanied by my familiar beasts and birds, yet ever disturbed by the dread of savage strangers who frequent the land, leading me to vigilant watchfulness and inward conflict. It is during these solitary years that a shipwreck near the shore presents both a grim spectacle of human misery and a spark of hope, prompting a perilous voyage that yields unexpected gifts and deep longing for companionship.

In which I take careful measures to safeguard my flock of goats by enclosing them in several remote, well-fenced plantations, all the while nursing a fearful apprehension of savage cannibals whose dreadful customs I discover on a distant shore of the island. After many attempts to devise means for my defence and destruction of these barbarians, I come to a sober resolution to avoid conflict and instead seek a secure refuge within a natural cave, trusting in divine providence to protect me in these solitary and perilous circumstances.

In which the solitary ruler of his island, adorned in garments fashioned from goat’s skins, endeavours to sustain his domain through diligent cultivation and secure fortifications, all the while grappling with a sudden and perplexing discovery that arouses deep fears of an unknown presence. With his mind beset by apprehensions, he fortifies his abode with walls and cunning defences, reflecting on providence and the fragile balance between solitude and society.

In which the solitary mariner, after many years of patient toil and careful husbandry, completes his humble boat and endeavours to explore the island’s shores by sea, enduring perilous currents and a near calamity that renews his gratitude for his desert home. He then devotes himself to improving his crafts and taming the wild goats, establishing a fenced enclosure that yields not only meat but milk, butter, and cheese, revealing the mercies of Providence even in his desolate condition.

In which the industrious soul, having secured the means for cultivation and sustenance, applies himself with diligent patience to the making of earthenware vessels, tools, and clothing suited to his solitary estate, whilst reflecting on providence and the nature of contentment amidst solitude. Thus, in the midst of unremitting labour and ingenious contrivance, he attains a serene resignation, finding solace in divine grace and the quiet converse of his own thoughts.

In which the solitary mariner undertakes a long and curious journey across his island, observing its varied wildlife, planting crops with great toil, and reflecting deeply upon his providential condition. With patient industry and new spiritual resolve, he begins the arduous task of cultivating and preparing the fruits of the earth to sustain his solitary life.

In which the solitary castaway explores the fruitful and varied landscapes of his island abode, discovering wild grapes, citrus fruits, and other native produce whilst contemplating the merits of relocating his habitation for greater comfort. He endures the first year’s seasonal cycles with steadfast industry, improving his shelter, learning when to sow seeds, and crafting useful baskets and fences from the island’s vegetation to fortify his solitary estate.

In which the shipwrecked mariner devotes himself to dismantling the broken remnants of his vessel to salvage timber and iron for survival, whilst battling the hardships of sickness and solitude on a remote island. During his affliction, he wrestles with his conscience and spiritual awakening, ultimately finding a measure of solace in prayer, scripture, and newfound hope.

In which a castaway, in the midst of his despair and solitude upon a deserted island, undertakes the laborious task of securing shelter, fashioning tools, and cultivating the earth to create a semblance of home and sustenance. Throughout the seasons, he battles the elements and addresses the demands of survival with both ingenuity and a growing sense of providence, even amidst tremors of the earth and storms that test his resilience.

In which the stranded mariner, with great industry and prudence, establishes a secure habitation upon a desolate island, carefully fortifying his shelter and arranging his provisions to endure the vicissitudes of a solitary life; and as he surveys the bleak horizon of his new condition, he meditates deeply on the balance of good and evil, finding cause for gratitude amid the hardships, whilst setting down a methodical account of his days and labours. Thus begins a quiet chronicle of patient endeavour and inward reflection, marked by reason’s steady hand amid the solitude of exile.

In which the castaway, having found the stranded ship upright and close to shore after the tempest, ingeniously fashions rafts to rescue provisions, tools, and arms that he brings to a newly chosen habitation upon an uninhabited island. He studies the island’s geography and inhabitants, erects a secure shelter for himself, and reflects soberly upon his solitary condition and the necessities of health and safety for his future abode.

In which our industrious narrator, having prospered in Brazil, is ensnared once more by a restless ambition that leads him to embark upon a perilous voyage to the African coast, encountering violent storms and shipwreck that cast him ashore utterly unprovided for. He is left to wrestle with the immediate terrors of his situation and the stark prospect of survival in an unknown wilderness, armed with little more than a knife and his wits.

In which the narrator, having narrowly escaped captivity, attempts a desperate journey along the African coast seeking rescue or refuge, encountering strange peoples and beasts that evoke both fear and fascination. Fortunate in acquiring the aid of a kindly Portuguese captain, he finds himself transplanted to a new life in the Brazils, where he begins to cultivate land and grapple with the restless impulses of youth amid the sober realities of plantation living.

In which I recount my ill-advised beginnings at sea, my apprenticeship under a kind captain, and the grievous misfortunes that fell upon me when captured by Moors, culminating in a desperate escape by boat along a wild and fearful coast. With a faithful boy named Xury at my side, we navigate dangers both natural and human, striving to survive amid savage beasts and unknown lands, all while harbouring hopes of liberty and a return to civilisation.

In which the narrator, son of a prosperous merchant family, defies his father’s wise counsel to pursue a life at sea, only to encounter the harsh realities and perils of maritime adventure through storms and shipwreck. His youthful folly and restless spirit are laid bare amidst the tempests and trials that soon follow his ill-fated departure from home.

In which the narrator, burdened with ill-gotten wealth yet destitute of friendship, resolves to bestow a considerable portion upon the sister of his companion William, in hope of securing both charity and refuge. After years of hesitation abroad and careful planning, they resolve upon a stealthy return to England, adopting foreign disguises and cautious conduct to avoid detection whilst arranging their fortunes and alliances.

In which the careful disposition of funds to a trusted relative is undertaken with prudent resolve and familial affection, ensuring secrecy and security in uncertain times. Thus encouraged by discreet correspondence and an assured retreat, plans are made for a concealed return to England, veiled in privacy and caution.

In which the narrator and his companion maintain their assumed identities as Armenian merchants while living quietly in Venice, cultivating a deep and steadfast friendship marked by shared reflection and prudence. Their cautious correspondence with distant kin rekindles tender familial ties and ignites contemplations of farewell to foreign lands and a return to England.

In which the protagonist, concealed from his countrymen and troubled in spirit, wrestles with the heavy burden of his ill-gotten wealth and the deep moral reckonings it incites, finding counsel and comfort chiefly in the wise and steady William. Together they resolve to journey from the Levant to Europe, carrying their precious cargo under a veil of secrecy and reflection, pondering the uncertainties of Providence and the hope for eventual restitution.

In which the captain and his companion William engage in earnest discourse about the possibility of forsaking their piratical way of life, revealing a profound divergence in their notions of home and repentance. Their deliberations lead them to a cautious plan of concealment and commerce in Persia, adopting the guise of merchants while pondering the better course for their fortunes and souls.

In which the narrative unfolds the prolonged captivity and grievous losses suffered by the captain’s son in a foreign land, alongside his reliance on providential blessings such as the arrival of a Bible and eventual fortune through husbandry. Meanwhile, the account shifts to maritime ventures involving cautious trade disguises and negotiation with various merchants, revealing a careful plotting for liberty and profit amid perilous travels on both land and sea.

In which the captain and his crew find themselves precariously anchored within reach of a vast multitude of hostile natives, engaged in a cautious and tense parley mediated by a Dutchman whose allegiance wavers. An account follows of an English captain's earlier encounter with the island's inhabitants, illustrating the perils and mistrust that accompany dealings with the unfathomable customs and stratagems of Ceylon’s barbarous people.

In which the crew, after finding a safe harbour and procuring provisions, encounter a ship they compel to supply them, then face a violent storm that drives their vessel aground on a strange shore where they must deal with wary and potentially hostile natives. Careful negotiations and prudent counsel prevent rash action as they weigh the risks of trusting the islanders, amidst tense exchanges mediated by a captive Dutchman and the steadfast resolve of their trusted advisor, William.