Robinson Crusoe: My Journals and Sketchbooks by Politzer, Anie - Text - 1974

New York and London: Harcourt and Brace & Company, 1974. 78 Pages Plus Single-page Index. Wrap-around pictorial is identical for the book and jacket. Book is as new with text and illustration pages near flawless. The dust jacket is very good with flap price of $5.95 and only very light wear to top edges. A violent shock flung us on the deck. The ship was breaking up on a sandbank. The captain and crew, certain that the vessel was sinking, launched the ship's boat, and we embarked, commending our souls to God. With these words, Robinson Crusoe-surely the most famous castaway in history- described the terrifying beginning of his ordeal. My Journals and Sketchbooks, composed of documents supposedly written by Crusoe himself and only recently unearthed in a Scottish manor house, provide the background for this fascinating account of his long struggle for survival following his shipwreck. Robinson Crusoe's diary served as a calendar and assisted him in keeping his mind alert and in warding off depression and despair. His exile from civilization lasted nearly twenty-five years, and the journal entries and sketches that comprise this book recount, in vivid detail, how he set about the serious business of making a home out of frightening, unfamiliar surroundings. Crusoe's adventures were varied, from making war on a flock of birds who pillaged his precious corn to narrowly escaping being swallowed up in a sudden earthquake. Young and old alike will be captivated by the things he devised-farm implements, baskets, tools, musical instruments-and by the dwellings he constructed-his tree house and cave home-all of which are illustrated by striking black-and-white line drawings. My Journals and Sketchbooks is a testament to the ability and ingenuity of man. As Robinson Crusoe records his attempts to cope with fear, disappointment, and defeat, as well as physical discomfort and illness, and struggles to overcome almost insurmountable odds by making use of the resources he has at hand-and within himself-the reader cannot fail to be both amazed and moved. This is an unusual and provocative book-one that will be long remembered. Contents: The shipwreck, The raft, All Robinson Saved From the Wreck, Robinson Installed at the Foot of the Cliff, Exploring the Island, Landscape of the Island, Bird Traps, Rodent Traps, Robinson's Country House, Making a Canoe, Sea Adventure, Making a Basket and a Hamper, Basket Weaving, The Pottery Workshop, The Kiln, Tool-making, Fishing Tackle, The Fishery, The Tree House, Work in the Fields, The Scarecrow, The Dairy Farm, Arrow Bow and Cross-bow, Aviary, Surroundings of Robinson's Home, Living-room, Plan of the Cave, Kitchen, Robinson Crusoe Bridge, Look-out Post. Map of the Island, Musical Instruments, How Robinson Put a Ship in a Bottle, The Ship in the Bottle, Robinson Finds the Naked Footprint, Arrival of Friday Robinson Leaves His Island, and Knots Used by Robinson. . First American Edition Stated. Hard Back. Near Fine/Very Good. Illus. by Politzer, Michael - Drawings. 9 1/2" x 12 1/2".