THE SWISS ROBINSON
Author:
Johann David Wyss
First edition:
Der Schweizerische Robinson, 1812. Published by Johann Rudolph Wyss in 1812 (his son).
This first edition had no information about the author, just "herausgeben von Joh. Rud. Wyss" (published by Johann Rudolph Wyss). Pierre-Jules Hetzel took advantage of this situation and modernized and corrected the story, under the new title of The New Swiss Robinson.
Main illustrators:
Dargent Finnemore Gilbert Philippoteaux Plonck Rhead
In short:
This is a pedagogic work about the Robinsons, who decide to leave Switzerland and go to Australia. But during their voyage, they shipwrecked on a desert island. They had to learn how to survive and live far from civilization.
Selection of edition:
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by John Gilbert, Hard and Houghton, 1865.
Robinson suisse, illustrated by Félix Philippoteaux, Bernardin-Béchet, 1870.
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by J. Finnemore, Newnes, 1897.
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by Louis Rhead, Harper, 1909.
Swiss Family Robinson, illustrated by T. Robinson, Doran, 1913.
Der Scweizerische Robinson, illustrated by Willy Plonck, 1920.
Le Robinson suisse, illustrated by J. Gilly, L'Ecole des Loisirs, 1969.
Le Nouveau Robinson Suisse (adaptation), illustrated by Yann Dargent, Hetzel, 1866.
Critical analysis:
Marie-Hélène Weber, Robinson et robinsonnades : étude comparée de "Robinson Crusoe" de Defoe, "Le Robinson suisse" de J.R. Wyss, "L'Ile mystérieuse" de J. Verne, "Sa majesté des mouches" de W. Golding, "Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique" de M. Tournier, Ed. universitaires du Sud, 1993.