Episode 5: A Castaway for the Ages

Paul and Miranda set sail for the 17th century to explore the origins of one of the greatest adventure stories ever written: Daniel Defoe's 'The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe'. Behind the ripping yarn of a castaway's struggle for survival lie some of the great themes of the age: providence, redemption, a thirst for exploration and difficult first encounters between worlds old and new. And we hear how clues to Defoe's unique imagination can be found in his own extraordinary early life in Restoration London.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Paul Lay and Miranda Malins. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music by George Taylor. The episode is mixed by Alfie Thompson.

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