#575

Mentioned in 52 episodes

Robinson Crusoe

Book • 1719

The novel follows Robinson Crusoe, a young and impulsive Englishman, who ignores his parents' advice and sets out to sea.

After a series of misadventures, including being captured by pirates and sold into slavery, he is eventually shipwrecked on a deserted island near the coast of Venezuela.

There, he spends 28 years surviving against incredible odds, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers.

The story is influenced by real-life castaways such as Alexander Selkirk and blends elements of Puritan spiritual autobiography, travel literature, and adventure stories.

It is considered one of the first modern novels in the English language and explores themes of ambition, self-reliance, civilization, and power.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 52 episodes

Mentioned by

Tom Holland

when discussing books about Nelson.

242 snips

517. Nelson: The Hunt for Napoleon (Part 4)

Mentioned by

Anita Anand

, highlighting its depiction of a slaver's experiences.

125 snips

55. The Fall of the Royal African Company

Mentioned by

Philip Ball

as an example of a modern myth.

118 snips

Philip Ball on the Interplay of Science, Society, and the Quest for Understanding

Mentioned by

Dominic Sandbrook

as a bestseller by Daniel Defoe, along with 'A Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain'.

117 snips

600. Chatham High Street

Mentioned by

David Olusoga

as the great book written by Daniel Defoe.

51 snips

19. The Wrath of God: England’s Greatest Natural Disaster (Ep 2)

Mentioned as the author of what some consider to be the first English novel.

48 snips

Pirates! A Primer

Mentioned by

Elliott Kalan

in the context of a character in "The Moonstone" who carries around Robinson Crusoe, comparing the impact of "The Power Broker" to that of a personal guide.