The first edition of _Robinson Crusoe_ appeared in 1719. It
made an immediate hit and was quickly translated into many
languages. A second part was added but this was never so
popular as the first. The first publication was in serial
form in a periodical, _The Original London Post_ or
_Heathcote's Intelligencer_. So great was its success that
four editions were called for in the same year, three in two
volumes and one, a condensed version, in a single volume.
In 1720 Defoe brought out _Serious Reflections During the
Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, with His Vision of
the Angelic World_. This was poorly received, although it has
since been included in many of the editions of this story.
Of the making of editions of _Robinson Crusoe_ there is no
end. Nearly every year sees a new edition, with original
illustrations. A noteworthy edition is that of Tyson's,
published in London, with many fine engravings from designs
by Granville, and another in 1820 in two volumes, with
engravings by Charles Heath.
A fine edition of _Robinson Crusoe_ in two volumes was issued
by Houghton Mifflin Company of Boston in 1908, with
illustrations from designs by Thomas Stothard.
The standard life of Defoe is that by Wm. Hazlitt, published
in London (1840-1843) in three volumes. Sir Walter Scott
edited a good edition of Defoe's complete works in 1840, in
twenty volumes. About fifteen years ago J. M. Dent of London
issued a fine edition of Defoe's works, with an excellent
introduction to each book. A good selection of some of
Defoe's best work is _Masterpieces of Defoe_, issued by the
Macmillan Company in a series of prose masterpieces of great
authors.
"There are few books one can read through and through so,
With new delight, either on wet or dry day,
As that which chronicles the acts of Crusoe,
And the good faith and deeds of his man Friday."