JOHANN DAVID WYSS
Swiss author (1743-1848)
Biography:
Johann David Wyss was born in Bern in 1743. He is the author of The Swiss Robinson, one of the most popular adaptation of Defoe's Robinson Crusoe.
Johann David Wyss used to read Defoe's story to his children, but unlike Robinson Crusoe, Wyss' shipwreck involves a whole family. This gives the father an opportunity to teach his children some values about life and civilization.
The Swiss Robinson was published by Johann Rudolph, Wyss' son, in 1812.
Hetzel, French publishers, modified the story under the title of The New Swiis Robinson (1864, illustrated byr Yann Dargent).
Johann David Wyss, author of illustrated works:
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by John Gilbert, Hurd ans Houghton, 1865.
Robinson suisse, illustrated by Félix Philippoteaux, Bernardin-Béchet, 1870.
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by Joseph Finnemore, Newnes, 1897.
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by LOuis Rhead, Harper, 1909.
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by Eleonore Abbott, Macrae, 1914.
Der Scweizerische Robinson, illustrated by Willy Plonck, 1920.
Le robinson suisse, illustrated by Philippe Munch, Casterman, 1994.