Robinson Crusoe is one of the world's greatest and most popular novels of adventure. The story of a model never-say-die hero battling for survival on a desert island has captivated readers ever since its publication in 1719. This sensitive abridgement presents all the book's major incidents in Daniel Defoe's own words thereby capturing the essence of this 18th-century masterpiece for today's children. Scene after scene is compellingly brought to life by Julek Heller's thrilling illustrations. This DK Eyewitness Classics edition features a map of Crusoe's imaginary island and offers significant background material on Defoe's extraordinary life influential work and turbulent times. Captivating illustrated annotations comment on the text with an extended passage devoted to Defoe's tragic biography and the hazardous life of a 17th-century sailor.