<p>An epic tale of adventure and survival <i>The Swiss Family Robinson</i> has been a bestseller ever since it was published in 1812 just over 200 years ago. Written by Swiss pastor Johann David Wyss it begins with a shipwreck. A boat carrying a family of settlers to a distant colony is driven onto a reef just off an uncharted tropical island. The sailors desert the ship in lifeboats leaving the Swiss family on board. They weather the storm build a makeshift raft of empty casks and head for the island. Once on dry land they set about exploring their new surroundings. Using their wits and ingenuity they build a new life together and make many amazing discoveries.