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Alexander Selkirk Collection

Alexander Selkirk, the real-life inspiration behind Robinson Crusoe, is a figure shrouded in mystery and adventure

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Statue of Robinson Crusoe, at Largo, Fifeshire, Birthplace of Alexander Selkirk (engraving)

Statue of Robinson Crusoe, at Largo, Fifeshire, Birthplace of Alexander Selkirk (engraving)
1623130 Statue of Robinson Crusoe, at Largo, Fifeshire, Birthplace of Alexander Selkirk (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Statue of Robinson Crusoe)

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Sketches from H.M.S. Challenger, by Mr. J. J. Wild: the Challenger in Cumberland Bay, ...1876

Sketches from H.M.S. Challenger, by Mr. J. J. Wild: the Challenger in Cumberland Bay, ...1876. Creator: John Greenaway
Sketches from H.M.S. Challenger, by Mr. J. J. Wild: the Challenger in Cumberland Bay, Juan Fernandez, 1876....the Island of Juan Fernandez

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Robinson Crusoes Statue at Largo (engraving)

Robinson Crusoes Statue at Largo (engraving)
7188254 Robinson Crusoes Statue at Largo (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Robinson Crusoes Statue at Largo)

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Alexander Selkirk left on the Island (engraving)

Alexander Selkirk left on the Island (engraving)
664765 Alexander Selkirk left on the Island (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Alexander Selkirk left on the Island)

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Selkirk falling over the precipice with his prey (engraving)

Selkirk falling over the precipice with his prey (engraving)
2781479 Selkirk falling over the precipice with his prey (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Selkirk falling over the precipice with his prey)

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: L Ile De Robinson Crusoe (engraving)

L Ile De Robinson Crusoe (engraving)
2789179 L Ile De Robinson Crusoe (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: L Ile De Robinson Crusoe. Illustration for Journal Des Voyages, 3 June 1894)

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: The Island of Juan Fernandez, where Alexander Selkirk was abandoned

The Island of Juan Fernandez, where Alexander Selkirk was abandoned, the Scene of Robinson Crusoes Adventures
1044385 The Island of Juan Fernandez, where Alexander Selkirk was abandoned, the Scene of Robinson Crusoes Adventures (engraving) by English School

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: 'He overtook the departing ship'(engraving)

"He overtook the departing ship"(engraving)
5995172 " He overtook the departing ship" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Scene from Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, 1892. Artist: John Dawson Watson

Scene from Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, 1892. Artist: John Dawson Watson
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

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Series of illustrations of castaway Alexander Selkirk in isolated jungle home

Series of illustrations of castaway Alexander Selkirk in isolated jungle home, rats attacking him at night, and fire used as rescue signal

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Alexander Selkirk on the Island of Juan Fernandes, published in Drakes Voyages

Alexander Selkirk on the Island of Juan Fernandes, published in Drakes Voyages
XJF440698 Alexander Selkirk on the Island of Juan Fernandes, published in Drakes Voyages, 1780 (engraving) by English School

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: The Filibuster Selkirk (engraving)

The Filibuster Selkirk (engraving)
XJF440687 The Filibuster Selkirk (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Alexander Selkirk (1676-1721)

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: A Map of the Island of Juan Fernandez, printed in Providence Displayed: or The

A Map of the Island of Juan Fernandez, printed in Providence Displayed: or The
XJF440695 A Map of the Island of Juan Fernandez, printed in Providence Displayed: or The Remarkable Adventures of Alexander Selkirk of Largo, Scotland by Isaac James

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Walliss New Game of Wanderers in the Wilderness, board game, published by Edward Wallis, c

Walliss New Game of Wanderers in the Wilderness, board game, published by Edward Wallis, c
XCF291082 Walliss New Game of Wanderers in the Wilderness, board game, published by Edward Wallis, c.1844 (hand-coloured aquatint on board) by English School

Background imageAlexander Selkirk Collection: Selkirk and the British Sailors, illustration from Tales of Travellers or A

Selkirk and the British Sailors, illustration from Tales of Travellers or A
KW226790 Selkirk and the British Sailors, illustration from Tales of Travellers or A View of the World published 1838 (engraving) by English School


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Alexander Selkirk, the real-life inspiration behind Robinson Crusoe, is a figure shrouded in mystery and adventure. Born in Largo, Fifeshire, his story has captivated generations of readers and explorers alike. The statue of Robinson Crusoe at Largo stands as a testament to Selkirk's enduring legacy. It serves as a reminder of the birthplace of this remarkable man who would go on to become one of history's most famous castaways. Engravings depict pivotal moments in Selkirk's life. One shows him being brought on board a ship, unaware that it would be his last contact with civilization for years to come. Another engraving portrays the heart-wrenching moment when he was left alone on an island, abandoned by his crewmates. Selkirk's survival skills were put to the test during his time on the island. An engraving captures him falling over a precipice while hunting for prey—a daring act that showcases both his resourcefulness and bravery. L Ile De Robinson Crusoe—an enchanting engraving—depicts the very island where Selkirk was marooned: Juan Fernandez Island. This remote location became not only his prison but also the stage for Robinson Crusoe's adventures immortalized by Daniel Defoe. In another evocative image, we see Selkirk chasing after his departing ship—an unsuccessful attempt to rejoin society after years spent fending for himself amidst nature's harsh realities. Fast forward to 1904; Alexander Selkirk is finally brought back onboard civilization once again. The photograph captures this poignant moment—a bittersweet return from isolation into an unfamiliar world filled with progress and change. The scenes from John Dawson Watson’s illustrations bring alive Defoe’s timeless tale—the trials and tribulations faced by both fictional character Crusoe and real-life adventurer Selkirk intertwine seamlessly through these captivating images. Alexander Selkirk's story continues to inspire and captivate the imagination of those who hear it.