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Short History Of...

The Real Robinson Crusoe

Short History Of...

Noiser

History

4.74.9K Ratings

🗓️ 20 February 2023

⏱️ 45 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Daniel Defoe’s 1719 novel Robinson Crusoe is one of the most widely published books in history. This story of a man stranded alone on an island is said to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. But who was Defoe’s inspiration for creating one of the best-known protagonists in literature? And what led to this real-life sailor spending years of his life cut off from human contact? This is a Short History of the Real Robinson Crusoe. Written by David Jackson. With thanks Dr Rebecca Simon, historian and the author of Why We Love Pirates. For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Day 4 of my exclusively adult virgin voyage.

0:05.0

I've come to discover a new version of me.

0:07.0

And that prefers relaxing in a hammock.

0:10.0

On my own private balcony, staring out at the ocean.

0:13.0

Instead of Gillian from accounting.

0:15.0

Yep.

0:16.0

Much prefer.

0:17.0

Book an eligible cabin with virgin voyages by February 28th

0:21.0

and get 55% off your second sailor and hundreds of poundsworth of free drinks.

0:26.0

Your travel agent or visit virginvoiders.com now we're voyaging.

0:31.0

It is a warm sunny day in 1708 on a small island off the coastal chilly.

0:37.0

Alexander Selkirk lies in wait behind a bush, high up on the island's rocky crags.

0:43.0

He listens to the clicking footsteps of his prey approaching.

0:47.0

He bites his time, staying absolutely still.

0:51.0

And then he explodes out from his hiding place leaping towards his target.

0:56.0

With a startled bleat, the goat takes off, bounding across the terrain.

1:01.0

It was born on these hills and it is swift and surefooted as it races away.

1:06.0

With no ammunition left for his musket.

1:09.0

This is now Selkirk's only way of catching goats.

1:12.0

He's not worried.

1:14.0

He is fitter and faster than he has ever been in his life.

1:17.0

And like the goat, he knows every rock, every foothold in this area.

...

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