1-158-831 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Scene from Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, 1892. This 18th century memoir novel was inspired by the story of the Scottish seaman Alexander Selkirk (1676-1721). Robinson Crusoe ill with 'ague'. In his fever Crusoe had a vision of a man descending from a black cloud all over bright as a flame. He feels remorse for his past life and prays for the first time for many years. Illustration form The Life and Strange and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. (London, 1891). First edition, London, 1719.