Even though it was written almost 300 years ago, it's still a very releveant and worthwhile read. Everyone knows the basic story of Robinson Crusoe - man stranded on deserted tropical island for over 20 years befriended by "his man Friday". But there is much more to the story that few are aware of. For instance - Crusoe was not a sailor, but rather a plantation owner on a mission to procure slaves, Crusoe's stranding on the island was not his first time cut off from civilization, and there's much much more.

Also, it appears there are sentiments expressed in this book that I would not have expected to find in a 300 year old book. Particularly Crusoe's take on the Spaniards and their genocidal behavior in the new world. When I read Crusoe's thoughts on the matter, I thought I was hearing the thoughts of a modern day left wing professor.

There is a great deal of detail devoted to how Crusoe learns to cope and thrive on the island. There's so much detail it tends to bog the story down. However, it's there because that is what Dafoe's audience demanded. (Prior to Crusoe's publication, there was true story about a stranded sailor that was widely read but disparaged for its lack of detail.) Don't let the detail discourage you. The last chapters are worth all the effort it takes to get to them.