The Daniel Defoe Library
Books & Literature
About
Step into an audio-cabinet of curiosities, where the works of Daniel Defoe are read in their full measure, without haste or abridgment. Each episode presents a faithful narration, as though a traveller’s journal opened by candlelight - tales of shipwreck and survival, of commerce, conscience, and the restless spirit of adventure. Designed for listeners who favour patience over noise, this podcast invites you to keep company with rogues, merchants, and solitary islanders, hearing every page as it might have been spoken in a London coffee-house of old.
Episodes
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 15 - Description of an Idol, Which They Destroy
Chapter 15 of Robinson Crusoe's further adventures describes a journey through deserts, encounters with Tartars and idolaters, and the decision to winter in Siberia. The narrator finds unexpected company and civility in the harsh environme…
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 14 - Attacked by Tartars
Chapter 14 details Robinson Crusoe's caravan journey from Pekin, fraught with Tartar raids and encounters along the Chinese Wall, highlighting the necessity of unity in dangerous border territories.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 13 - Arrival in China
In Chapter 13, Robinson Crusoe arrives in China and interacts with various locals while preparing for a journey to Pekin. He also finds an opportunity to return to Europe via a merchant caravan.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 12 - The Carpenter's Whimsical Contrivance
The crew of a vessel repels an attack and sails to China under Portuguese guidance. The narrator ponders the crew's fears, moral dilemmas, and the uncertainties of foreign justice and piracy.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 11 - Warned of Danger by a Countryman
Chapter 11 of The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe finds the narrator and his partner in peril after a trading voyage. Accused of piracy and pursued by hostile ships, they seek refuge in Tonquin with a damaged vessel.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 10 - He Is Left On Shore
Robinson Crusoe faces a moral conflict and crew discord after a violent encounter ashore, resulting in his isolation in a foreign land. He starts trading with another Englishman while contemplating adventure and returning home.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 9 - Dreadful Occurrences in Madagascar
In this chapter, Robinson Crusoe recounts a violent conflict on the island of Madagascar. The narrative explores the consequences of an ill-advised incident that shattered a truce and resulted in destruction.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 8 - Sails From the Island For the Brazils
Chapter 8 details efforts to convert and civilize the island's inhabitants through religious instruction and the distribution of a Bible. Following a significant loss and an attack by native canoes, preparations commence for expanding the…
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 7 - Conversation Betwixt Will Atkins and His Wife
In this chapter, the narrative follows the development of an island community as it experiences religious instruction, repentance, and the establishment of ordered property and governance. The story highlights themes of faith, justice, and…
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 6 - The French Clergyman's Counsel, Part 2
A clergyman advises the English settlers to marry their native wives and educate them and their children in the Christian faith. The episode details this spiritual guidance, focusing on repentance and conversion.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 6 - The French Clergyman's Counsel, Part 1
In this episode, the narrator discusses dialogues with Spaniards facing struggles and recounts efforts to unite colonists by providing tools and supplies. A French clergyman's admonitions on moral conduct are introduced, prompting consider…
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 5 - A Great Victory
In Chapter 5, the colony faces fierce battles with savages but ultimately prevails through strategy. The narrative then shifts to peaceful development, including construction and the civilizing of natives, leading to order and domesticity…
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 4 - Renewed Invasion of Savages
This episode details an altercation between Englishmen and Spaniards, resulting in the exile of the Englishmen. They later capture natives, returning with prisoners to a colony divided by industry and negligence, which then faces a savage…
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 3 - Fight With Cannibals
Chapter 3 of The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe covers the fragile peace between English and Spanish settlers, their conflict with native parties, and their eventual forced alliance to ensure survival.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 2 - Intervening History of Colony
Chapter 2 of The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe details the encounter with a starving ship, the state of the island colony, and the rising tensions between the European inhabitants and the native savages.
- The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Chapter 1 - Revisits Island
In this episode, an aging Robinson Crusoe, despite his settled life and recent loss, feels compelled to revisit his island plantation. He outfits a ship for colonization, but their voyage takes an unexpected turn when they rescue survivors…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 20 - Fight Between Friday and a Bear
Chapter 20 details a fight between Friday and a bear, followed by a harrowing encounter with wolves in a snow-covered forest. The chapter reflects on the character's life experiences.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 19 - Return to England
Chapter 19 details Robinson Crusoe's departure from his island, his return to England as a stranger, and his efforts to manage his Brazilian estate. The chapter also recounts a perilous overland journey where he and Friday face a wolf atta…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 18 - The Ship Recovered
Chapter 18 of Robinson Crusoe details the recovery of a ship through a stratagem against mutinous men, including their surrender and confinement. The narrative reflects on providence and deliverance.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 17 - Visit of Mutineers
In Robinson Crusoe Chapter 17, the protagonist interacts with allies and plans to aid shipwrecked countrymen. The arrival of mutinous Englishmen forces Robinson to devise a strategy to regain control and ensure safety.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 16 - Rescue of Prisoners From Cannibals
In Chapter 16 of Robinson Crusoe, the narrator and Friday construct a canoe for a voyage. Their preparations are interrupted by an attack from hostile natives, leading to a rescue of prisoners, including Friday's father, which enlarges the…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 15 - Friday's Education
In this episode of The Daniel Defoe Library, Crusoe educates Friday on English customs, Christian doctrine, and the concepts of God and the devil. The discussion also touches upon the hope for rescue and encountering other Europeans.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 14 - A Dream Realized
In Chapter 14, Robinson Crusoe decides to capture a native. He saves Friday from pursuers, gaining a faithful servant whose presence brings comfort and hope to his isolated existence.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 13 - Wreck of a Spanish Ship
Chapter 13 details Robinson Crusoe's isolated life, his anxieties about outsiders, and a significant shipwreck. This event offers a mix of despair and hope, leading to a voyage that brings both valuable items and a profound sense of loneli…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 12 - A Cave Retreat
In this episode, Robinson Crusoe details his strategies for protecting his goat flock and his decision to retreat into a cave for safety, fearing the island's inhabitants.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 11 - Finds Print of Man's Foot on the Sand
In Robinson Crusoe Chapter 11, the island's solitary ruler, dressed in goat skins, focuses on cultivation and fortifications. He is deeply unsettled by the discovery of a man's footprint on the sand, which fuels his fears of an unknown pre…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 10 - Tames Goats
In Chapter 10, Robinson Crusoe builds and sails a boat, narrowly escaping disaster and reinforcing his gratitude for his island home. He then focuses on domesticating goats, establishing an enclosure for meat, milk, and dairy products.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 9 - A Boat
In Chapter 9 of Robinson Crusoe, the protagonist focuses on making pottery, tools, and clothes. He reflects on divine providence and contentment while finding peace in his solitude.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 8 - Surveys His Position
In Chapter 8 of Robinson Crusoe, the protagonist undertakes a significant journey across his island. He observes wildlife, toils to plant crops, and contemplates his situation, finding new spiritual resolve to cultivate the land for susten…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 7 - Agricultural Experience
Chapter 7 details Robinson Crusoe's agricultural experiences on the island, including discovering fruits and adapting to seasonal cycles. He improves his shelter and creates tools and fences from local vegetation.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 6 - Ill and Conscience-Stricken
In Chapter 6 of Robinson Crusoe, the protagonist confronts illness and isolation after a shipwreck. He salvages materials from his vessel and experiences a spiritual awakening, turning to prayer and scripture for comfort and hope.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 5 - Builds a House - The Journal
In Robinson Crusoe Chapter 5, the castaway begins building a house, creating tools, and farming to survive. He faces environmental challenges and natural disasters while demonstrating resilience and ingenuity.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 4 - First Weeks On the Island, Part 2
In "Robinson Crusoe Chapter 4 - First Weeks On the Island, Part 2," the narrative details the mariner's industrious establishment of a fortified shelter and organization of provisions on a desolate island. Amidst solitude, he reflects on h…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 4 - First Weeks On the Island, Part 1
In Robinson Crusoe Chapter 4, the castaway uses rafts to salvage supplies from a shipwrecked vessel. He then explores his new island home, builds a shelter, and contemplates his isolation and survival needs.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 3 - Wrecked On a Desert Island, Part 2
In Chapter 3, Part 2 of Robinson Crusoe, the narrator's voyage to Africa results in shipwreck, leaving him stranded and unprepared on a desert island. He must rely on his resourcefulness to survive.
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 3 - Wrecked On a Desert Island, Part 1
Chapter 3 details the narrator's escape from captivity, a perilous journey along the African coast, and his eventual resettlement in the Brazils. He begins cultivating land, confronting youthful impulses and the sober realities of plantati…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 2 - Slavery & Escape
This episode covers Robinson Crusoe's early sea voyages, his capture by Moors, and his subsequent escape with Xury. The narrative details their perilous journey along a dangerous coast, facing natural and human threats while seeking freedo…
- Robinson Crusoe Chapter 1 - Start in Life
This episode covers the beginning of Robinson Crusoe's story, where he ignores his father's advice to go to sea. He soon faces the dangers of maritime adventures, including storms and shipwrecks, due to his restless spirit.
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 28
Captain Singleton Section 28 details the narrator's plan to bestow ill-gotten wealth upon his companion William's sister. Facing destitution of friendship despite his riches, he hopes to secure refuge and charity by gifting a portion of hi…
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 27
This episode covers the prudent disposition of funds to a relative for security and secrecy. It also details plans for a cautious and private return to England, facilitated by discreet correspondence.
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 26
In Section 26 of Captain Singleton, the narrator and his companion maintain their disguise as Armenian merchants in Venice. They develop a strong friendship and consider returning to England after reconnecting with family.
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 25
Section 25 of The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton finds the protagonist wrestling with his conscience over his ill-gotten gains. He and William resolve to travel secretly from the Levant to Europe, contemplating divine pro…
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 24
In Section 24 of "The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton," the captain and William debate abandoning their piratical lifestyle. They consider concealing their past and establishing themselves as merchants in Persia, contempla…
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 23
This episode covers the extended captivity and losses of Captain Singleton's son, highlighting his faith and eventual success. It also details the captain's cautious maritime trade expeditions and negotiations aimed at securing liberty and…
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 22
Section 22 details Captain Singleton's tense standoff with numerous hostile natives, facilitated by a shifting Dutch mediator. It recounts a prior encounter with inhabitants of Ceylon, emphasizing the dangers and suspicion inherent in inte…
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 21
In Section 21 of The Daniel Defoe Library, Captain Singleton's crew secures provisions, encounters another vessel, and survives a violent storm that shipwrecks them. They must carefully negotiate with potentially hostile natives on an unkn…
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 20
Section 20 of Captain Singleton details the challenging voyage home, including encounters with indigenous peoples and a siege. Prudence guides the crew as they seek provisions for their return journey.
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 19
In this episode, the crew faces a thunderstorm near New Guinea, collects spices through trade and capture, and engages with merchants who share stories of English castaways in Japan.
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 18
In Section 18, the company joins Captain Avery's and considers settling Madagascar but continues their voyages, capturing prizes along the coasts of India and the Spice Islands while navigating treacherous waters and internal disputes.
- The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton Section 17
Section 17 of "The Life, Adventures & Piracies of Captain Singleton" follows the crew's journey to the Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar, and the Red Sea. They encounter deserters, face local challenges, and deal with scarce rewards until a re…