The Swiss Family Robinson


Read by Mark F. Smith

(4.7 stars; 1388 reviews)

The Swiss Family Robinson has delighted generations of readers with its exciting tale of a family which, though shipwrecked, displays “the right stuff” and builds a charming colony that later, they do not want to leave. Cut off from the comforts and companionship of other humans, they use a familiarity with natural history and biology to find the resources and build the tools to construct a canoe, weave cloth, irrigate a garden, and turn an immense hollow tree into a lofty house with a spiral staircase. They domesticate buffaloes, wild asses, and monkeys. They establish farms and plantations. And finally, they have a terrifying encounter with natives from a nearby island.

Johann David Wyss, the author, did not live to complete his tale. Storytellers over the years have injected so many episodes into the various versions that probably none closely match the original. (Indeed, the Baroness de Montholieu expanded the book from two volumes into five when she translated it into French.) This effort was re-translated into English in 1849 by W.H.G. Kingston, abridging the edition severely. It follows the British sensibilities of the period in terms of sentence structure and emphasis. (Summary by Mark F. Smith) (12 hr 45 min)

Chapters

Chapter 01 18:47 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 02 21:19 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 03 18:04 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 04 15:01 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 05 9:51 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 06 6:43 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 07 9:06 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 08 10:02 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 09 9:57 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 10 9:10 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 11 19:14 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 12 10:49 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 13 10:24 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 14 12:22 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 15 12:44 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 16 11:02 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 17 13:13 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 18 9:09 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 19 8:39 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 20 17:35 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 21 14:57 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 22 13:36 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 23 12:08 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 24 11:34 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 25 13:49 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 26 18:38 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 27 24:01 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 28 12:34 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 29 17:09 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 30 9:19 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 31 9:35 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 32 15:16 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 33 12:48 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 34 12:53 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 35 14:17 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 36 12:31 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 37 14:16 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 38 18:59 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 39 19:05 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 40 18:51 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 41 13:30 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 42 14:14 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 43 9:44 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 44 19:30 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 45 11:35 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 46 28:56 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 47 20:07 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 48 21:33 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 49 26:29 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 50 15:17 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 51 25:49 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 52 9:03 Read by Mark F. Smith

Reviews

Excellent Reader Mark Smith


(5 stars)

This timeless Classic was the first audiobook I read here at Librivox. I was so impressed by the reader, Mark Smith's style that I read another one of his books and another and so on. I found myself reading books that I never would have read because I enjoyed his style of reading so much. He is one of the top contributors here a Librivox and I am so thankful that he devoted such a huge amount of his time to this project. If there was a way I could donate money to this organization I would but from what I understand, there is no mechanism in place to do so.

Excellent Reading


(5 stars)

This is a wonderful classic story, very well read by Mark F. Smith. The story is well known and does not need comment. The focus of this review is Mark Smith's terrific reading. He reads in a very clear voice and with an engaging style, which together do a great job in conveying the author's intent and holding the listener's interest. I highly recommend it. I'm amazed that with over 600,000 downloads this is the first review of this terrific audio book. Great job Mark, and many thanks for all of your effort in preparing this!

fantastic book and fantastic reader!


(5 stars)

great book with a great reader! This version of the text is very different to others I've read, but just as fantastic! ( for instance, in other translations/ versions, I distinctly remember the donkey being eaten by a boa constrictor, which does not happen at all here)

Have always loved this story.


(5 stars)

Not only did I enjoy the story itself but, though I am an adult, I feel that it enhanced my character as well. I am sure I will listen to it again, at a later date.

Narrator


(5 stars)

My rating is for the author only. Our book interest are similar. Though there are a couple of titles I've listened to of his based on similar books this is the fifth book I specifically searched for and found that Mark Smith had recorded. It's great to find a book and know you'll be able to enjoy it based on the reader alone. Thanks again for another excellent recording!

Great


(5 stars)

great reading I think you did really well I can't wait to see what else he does also the story was really well written and everyone can enjoy this book

Great reader!


(5 stars)

What a great reader! This is my kids favorite book read by their favorite reader! Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Thank you Mark Smith!


(5 stars)

I am so greatful for all the novels Mark Smith has volunteered. He does an amazing job! I only came across this book as many others simply because he is Narrating. I will be completing all of the books he has done. Highly recommended book and reader!! p.s. thanks for making my work days fly bye ;)