Quote:
Originally Posted by db105
The Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann David Wyss (1812) 125K words
Jules Verne's 47th novel in the Extraordinary Voyages ("The Castaways of the Flag", 1900) is a sequel and homage to Johann David Wyss' "The Swiss Family Robinson". In preparation for reading Verne's book, I first read Wyss' novel, a classic Robinsonade from the beginning of the 19th century.
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Note: checking other versions in Project Gutenberg, I found this one which seems to be in a less awkward English than Kingston's translation. It also has more plot coming from Isabelle de Montolieu French version, including natives. Verne's continuation does not have these natives, but nevertheless the reader might find this version of "The Swiss Family Robinson" more accessible: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/11703
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I'm really enjoying this review thread.
Wyss's book is from 1812, but has an older stylistic feel to it. The translation and edits can make a huge difference. I have the Signet classics version which uses a translator who also has several novels of his own. I suspect it's closer to a retelling than a pure translation. I suspect that Swiss Family Robinson is one of those books that is best enjoyed as a child. If you think about it, it has similarities to some of those never ending children series, which makes sense given that it started as bed time stories for his kids and if I remember correctly was put together by one of his sons.