The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss, Illustrated by T. H. Robinson, [n.d.]

Wyss, Johann David. The Swiss Family Robinson. New York: George H. Doran Company, [n.d.].  Illustrated by T. H. Robinson. Thick octavo. In the original publisher’s yellow cloth boards, front stamped in navy and titled in red. Twenty tipped-in full color illustrations, including frontispiece. New archival green cloth slipcase with front inlay. 

Presented is a later printing of Johann David Wyss’ classic tale of shipwreck and survival, The Swiss Family Robinson. This edition was published in New York by George H. Duran Company and features twenty tipped-in, full color illustrations by T. H. Robinson. It is presented in the publisher’s original bright yellow cloth, with the front board stamped in navy and titled in red, and the spine titled in navy. 

The Swiss Family Robinson was first published in 1812. A story about a Swiss family shipwrecked in the East Indies, the family builds a settlement and undergoes a number of adventures before they are rescued. Wyss describes in great detail how the family salvaged material from the wreck, found, and later cultivated, food, all intended as a lesson in practical skills for young readers. Natural history lessons also have their place in the book, with long discussions on the surprisingly varied flora and fauna of the island, in addition to lessons in morality and piety. The father in the story frequently reminds his sons to say their prayers and to be honest and hardworking. 

The Swiss Family Robinson was one of the most successful of a large number of castaway novels that were written in response to the success of Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. Due to its success, The Swiss Family Robinson went through a large number of editions and later adaptations. It was freely translated over the years, with major sections excised and new subplots added. 

This publication is beautifully embellished with color illustrations by T. Heath Robinson. T. Heath Robinson (1869–1954) was an English illustrator of books and magazines, working in both line drawings and full color plates. He illustrated many books for famous London publishers James Nisbit, J. M. Dent, W. H. Allen & Co., and others, as well as illustrations for magazines, including Cassell's Family Magazine, Pall Mall Magazine and The Strand.

CONDITION: 

Near fine condition. Thick octavo. In the original publisher’s yellow cloth boards, front stamped in navy and titled in red, spine stamped in navy. Bumping to corners and top and bottom of spine. New joints and linings. Original pictorial endpapers saved, small (repaired) tear in bottom corner of front pastedown endpaper. Paper is very healthy, clean, and bright. Twenty tipped-in full color illustrations, including frontispiece. New archival green cloth slipcase with front inlay. 

Book Dimensions: 9 1/4” H x 6 5/8” W x 1 13/16” D. 

Slipcase Dimensions: 9 5/8” H x 6 3/4” W x 2 3/8” D. 

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.