Johann David Wyss (1743-1818) was a Swiss pastor and author who used his works to instill Christian values. He served as a clergyman in the Swiss army where he was also stationed in Italy. Wyss is famously credited with writing the adventure novel, The Swiss Family Robinson. It was originally published in German in 1812, followed by the English translation in 1814. It's one of the most popular books of all-time, with more than 200 English editions and countless film, television and stage adaptations.