Robinson Crusoe

By: Daniel Defoe

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Shipwrecked and cast ashore onto an uninhabited island, Robinson Crusoe ingeniously carves out a solitary, primitive existence for 24 years. Eventually, he meets a young native whom he saves from death at the hands of cannibals. He calls him Man Friday and makes him his companion and servant.

Crusoe and Friday share in a variety of adventures, including a fierce battle with cannibals that culminates in the heroes recapturing a mutinous ship and returning to England.

Based partly on the real-life experiences of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, Defoe's novel of human endurance in an exotic, faraway land exerts a timeless appeal and has taken its rightful place among the great works of Western civilization.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[One of the few books] 'written by mere man that was wished longer by its readers.'" (Samuel Johnson)

Awesome classic story read well

What did you love best about Robinson Crusoe?

I loved the human emotion captivated by survival

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The fight with himself over life alone or death

Best!! no wonder so many philosophers refer to th

loved it. no wonder so many philosophers in economic theorist refer to this story it is so fundamental

Wonderful

Wonderful... i never read it when i was young... was worth the wait... the lessons are better for someone in later years than in youth... so not really a kid book at all.. odd how books get categorized like this as a book for youth

quite enjoyable

Appreciated the quality narration and measured pace. Was anything left out? Hard to say but i was thoroughly amused.

True classic

I have just read this book at the age of 61. I don't think I read it as a child. This is a classic. It seems to me it was written for reading to chldren in a Pre-television era when reading books to children was in vogue. It still should be but I doubt many do it. It is a good adventure story but the thing that makes it somewhat unusual is how full of moral teaching it contains which would be geared at children. Morals such as making the best of what you have, being thankful for what you have, trusting God to provide for you, etc. are deeply carved into the story. As I approach my grandfather years I will remember this book and see if there will be some way to read it to my grandchildren.

Great book

Of course the book is a classic and a great story. But I would like to mention that this narrator is very good and brings this timeless work to life. I'm an artist and like to listen to these books while I paint away, sometimes for 10 or 12 hrs a day. This narrator's diction is very good which means that I can listen to him all day without tiring our my ears.

Much more than Friday

I thought I knew this story. Far from it this was a long and involved and very well written story by someone who had the ability to put themselves in those shoes. Some may say the details of the narrative made it drag but I think it made the story rich and real. Adventure writing done right.

But for the old English

But for the old English language, it is an absolute marvel of a story. From torturous terrifying situations and violence to redemption. Rags of the body and soul to riches and salvation. Except for the language of the 17th century, it is a novel of perfection.

Great, especially if you like john lee.

I always thought this book was for young adults but, turns out it is more appropriate for adults. Good classic

Great book! This is a really great read

Would you listen to Robinson Crusoe again? Why?

I have listened to this about 5 times, and will do so again soon

What did you like best about this story?

It is based on a true story (loosely)

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?