Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - Part 4

Download Robinson Crusoe - Part 4

Crusoe experiences a terrifying shipwreck and is the only survivor. His struggle for food, water, and a place to sleep begin. No matter what situation Crusoe finds himself in, he never stops thinking.


The illustration is by NC Wyeth (1920). It illustrates Robinson Crusoe taking supplies off his shipwreck on his hastily built raft.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - Part 3

Download Robinson Crusoe - Part 3

In this section of the novel, Crusoe continues making good on his escape. He then makes a series of fateful decisions as he tries to get on his feet and make a life for himself.

Defoe begins to get into the slavery issue and how it plays the major role in Crusoe's single most important decision.


The illustration is by NC Wyeth (1920). It illustrates the conversation between a young Robinson Crusoe and his father from the first part of the podcast novel.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - Part 2

Download Robinson Crusoe - Part 2

Crusoe learns more of what it means to be a seaman. He is captured off the west coast of Africa and made a slave.

In this section of the novel we get into Defoe's treatment of the issues of slavery and race. Reading the early parts of the novel, one might get the mistaken impression that Defoe is intolerant of other races. This is not the case. One must remember that he was writing his book before 1719. His continued treatment of the slavery issue throughout the novel is many years ahead of its time and shows him to be a deeply thoughtful and serious commentator on the social injustices he saw around him.

Promo for Sound Stories - It Helps Us Keep Recording

Listen to the Sound Story Promo

Pirate Jack and Robinson Crusoe are free podcasts. In order to help finance the continuing operations here at the blog and at CandlelightStories.com, I offer this little promotional piece of audio that tells you a little bit about the audio stories available in the Sound Story Club.

It's only a one-time fee of $9.95. For that, you get all of the audio files. Every purchase over there actually helps keep Candlelight up and running so it can make all those stories, games and movies.

Thank you for listening.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - Part 1

Click here to download Robinson Crusoe - Part 1

Here is the little surprise I promised last week. 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe is one of the greatest novels in existence. It marks the start of English novel-writing. There's so much more in this book than one would ever know from the silly movies that have been based upon it. In fact, there has never been a remotely good movie made of this incredible book. It goes so much farther than most writing at exploring the human spirit and the foundations of civilization. It is one of the most modern books I have ever read. It was written in 1719. You'll know what I mean if you listen to it. It just keeps coming at you without any letup.

I may move this over to a new blog site specifically for Robinson Crusoe. But for now, this will do just fine. I will try to add some introductory information about Defoe over the next week or so.

Listen and have a good time.