Robinson Crusoe was born in 1632 in the city of York, in England. His one ambition since childhood had been to go to sea. When Crusoe was eighteen years old he found himself drawn to a life of adventure. Robinson Crusoe walked up a gang-plank and set sail on September 1, 1651 . . .

Crusoe traveled the seas for some time. At last, after many adventures, he settled in Brazil. There, he started a sugar plantation. Some time later, he set sail again, heading for Africa on business.

Soon a terrible storm arose. The boat was tossed about like a toy among the huge waves. Rain fell in torrents from the steely sky, while thunder and lightening crashed all around them. The storm lasted twelve days and swept the ship so far off course that the captain had no idea where they were. Then, one morning, the lookout shouted, “Land ahoy! Land ahoy!”

The sea was still very rough, and the boat was in danger of being dashed to pieces if it struck the rocks along the shore. Suddenly the ship struck a sandbank. Then, with a terrifying roar, an enormous waved washed over men and boats. Robinson Crusoe thrashed his arms and legs about in a desperate attempt to stay afloat. A second wave hurled him forward again. His feet touched bottom. The shipwrecked man staged through the churning water and collapsed on the shore.

Gradually the storm passed. Crusoe opened his eyes. “Where am I?” was his first thought. Slowly, he got to his knees, then rose to his feet. He was standing on a wide, sandy beach. Suddenly he remembered everything – the storm, the shipwreck, giving up hope . . .” I’m saved! I’m saved!” Then he stopped shouting. Crusoe looked all around. There was no one else on the beach or among the nearby trees, or in the sea.

The next morning Crusoe found that the wrecked ship had been lifted off the sandbank by the tide. Now it was floating not far from shore . . .

Crusoe stared at the ship, scrutinizing every plank of wood, observing the waves crashing against the side. He made a move towards the ship and fell back on the sand.
“Friday!” he shouted hoarsely. “Friday, come to shore!” He was answered by silence.
“Friday!” he screamed. A pile of rags made a movement beside him, and he jumped back to see Friday’s tanned skin. He also noticed, with a heavy sigh of relief, a slightly weather-beaten laptop, all stickers (surprisingly) intact. He did not bother to inquire about Friday’s health, instead grabbing the laptop and pressing the “power” button eagerly. He immediately opened Google Maps and attempted to find the island. Friday yelled at him from his uncomfortable position. Crusoe realized it was near dark; it was not morning. He grabbed his Verizon cell phone from its treasured case and flipped it open.
“This will be our flashlight,” he said triumphantly. Friday groaned. Crusoe turned back to the computer and opened MySpace.
“On Island. Need help. Anybody here?” Crusoe asked in “text language”. A comment popped up:
“Sending someone in”, also in text language.
“I’ll use Verizon navigator,” Crusoe replied, and looked about him. The sand was burning hot , and he realized a boat was heading towards them.

The wind was favorable and the ship continued its trading voyage. It reached London on June 11th, 1687, nearly thirty-six years after Crusoe had first set sail. After all this time, he was now a stranger in his own country.

Crusoe went to York, and there found two sisters still living. His family had long given him up for dead, however. Apart from the coins he had brought back from the island, Crusoe had nothing to live on.

Once again, luck was on his side. The captain traveled to Lisbon where he found an old business partner who was overjoyed to see him. Yes, the plantation in Brazil was doing well, and half of the profits over the years belonged to Crusoe!

For some years, Crusoe remained at home in England. He took care of two orphaned nephews, got married, and had three children of his own. At last, Crusoe set sail again on a trading mission. On this voyage he visited his island.