Wrecked On A Reef PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 edition. Excerpt: ... introduction. F adventures resembling those of Alexander Selkirk, whom Daniel de Foe immortalized under sthe illustrious name of " Robinson Crusoe;" if a 'shipwreck on the coast of a desert island; a sojourn of nearly twenty months, with a few companions, on the uninhabitable rock; if the necessity imposed upon us of providing for all our wants and creating all our resources; of protecting ourselves against the rigour of the climate by building a dwelling-place and manufacturing clothes, against famine by hunting and fishing; of establishing in our midst a little hierarchy and a police force to maintain order and peace, -- in other words to recommence civilization under the most difficult conditions; if, finally, a happy deliverance, due not to accident, but to a resolute will and persevering efforts;--if such facts as these should appear to the reader capable of exciting curiosity and interest, I have 14 WORDS INTRODUCTORY. no need to enter into any long justification for taking up my pen to narrate them. It seems to me impossible that any one should read my story without feeling more keenly how great is his happiness in living in his own fatherland, among his fellow-countrymen, in the neighbourhood of his kinsmen and his friends, --without enjoying more fully and with profounder gratitude the inestimable benefits which society and civilization lavish upon us. If this be the case, I shall have the satisfaction of thinking that my book has done some good. Before entering upon my narrative, it is indispensable, however, that I should bring the reader acquainted with the circumstances under which I quitted my family and country, and what adventures--by no means of an ordinary character--had preceded the great trial which has left its...