Book details
Swiss Family Robinson ~ a Translation From the Original German
Description
The Swiss Family Robinson is a Johann David Wyss novel about a Swiss family shipwrecked in the East Indies en route to Port Jackson, Australia. It was intended to teach Wyss' four sons about family values, good husbandry, the uses of the natural world and self-reliance. It includes adventures that are presented as a series of lessons in natural history and the physical sciences. The Zermatt family is sailing from Europe to Australia when a great storm runs their ship aground on a reef. The ships crew takes to a lifeboat abandoning the family who find themselves within sight of a tropical island. The ship's cargo of livestock, dogs, guns & powder, carpentry tools, books, a disassembled pinnace, and provisions have survived. The family builds a raft, lashes livestock and the most valuable supplies to it, and paddles to the island, where they set up a temporary shelter. From here the adventures abound as the family establishes a life on the island.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
388 pages
Why to read
- Adventure and Escapism: 'Swiss Family Robinson' offers readers an exciting tale of a family's survival and ingenuity after being shipwrecked on a deserted island. The story is filled with thrilling adventures and exotic discoveries that provide an escape from everyday life and stimulate the imagination.
- Family Values and Education: The novel emphasizes the importance of family unity, cooperation, and resourcefulness. It showcases how the Robinson family works together to overcome challenges, making it a great read for those interested in stories that highlight strong family bonds and the educational aspect of learning to adapt to new environments.
- Nature and Survival Skills: Johann David Wyss, the author, was inspired by his profession as a pastor and his interest in natural science to create a story that teaches about flora and fauna, as well as survival skills. Readers interested in the natural world and self-sufficiency will find the detailed descriptions of the family's interactions with nature both informative and inspiring.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: First published in the early 19th century, 'Swiss Family Robinson' has become a classic in children's literature and has influenced the adventure genre significantly. Reading this book provides insight into the values and educational ideals of the time, as well as the enduring appeal of stories about human resilience and ingenuity.