Inspiration

The plot of Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe is fictional, but probably based on a true story. Daniel Defoe was most likely inspired by the account of the Scottish seafarer Alexander Selkirk, who, after a quarrel, voluntarily let himself to be marooned on an uninhabited island by his captain. He then spent four years alone on the deserted island “Isla Más a Tierra” at the beginning of the 18th century.

For survival, the Scotsman had only some clothing and bedding, plus a shotgun, a knife, tobacco, a pot, a Bible, as well as books and his nautical instruments. Here follows the story of the experienced sailor: “For weeks, two English privateers have been cruising the South Pacific in search of lucrative booty. When the pirates run out of d...