When a harrowing storm forces their ship aground, and having been abandoned by their crew, a Swiss family—a pastor, his wife, and their two sons—is forced to survive on a deserted tropical island. Using supplies from the abandoned ship, the intrepid family builds a rewarding new life and triumphs over a hostile and unknown land. First published in 1812, The Swiss Family Robinson was inspired by Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, and was intended to instruct author Johann David Wyss's sons about the Christian faith, family values, and self-reliance. In the more than two centuries since its publication, The Swiss Family Robinson has been translated and reprinted numerous times, and has been adapted for comics, television and film. HarperPerennial Classics brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperPerennial Classics collection to build your digital library.