Illustrations by Roberto Abbiati Robinson

“Texts in Italian curated by Simone Marchesi and Daniele Casalino, are taken from Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Dafoe.” (Translation by Gaetano Barbieri, 1842)

“Beyond the curiosity that the surname of poor Robinson – poor so to speak, for those who know the ending of Defoe’s novel… – registers the most disparate variations and distortions in the history of literature (Crusoe originally, Crusoè in Italianization, with variants Crosuè, Crusuè and more), this work is perfect for anyone who needs to train a parrot, capture a goat, or build a raft. Supporting the reader are the splendid and practical illustrations by Roberto Abbiati. One might argue that these survival techniques are not much needed today, given that the globe has been explored and mapped in every corner and that the last desert island discovered lost its peculiarity several years ago, meanwhile transformed into an exclusive tourist spot capable of hosting “exclusively” hundreds of guests a day. Yet here there is not a day when we are not led to think of a dystopian future where we won’t leave the house and everyone will have to fend for themselves. No, there’s no need to think of pandemics or conflicts, just technology and our propensity for comfort pushing us towards self-isolation, with human relationships delegated to likes on social media and someone bringing us food while we watch the game or movie on pay TV. And then, suppose one day a virus decides to hit cell phones and tablets instead of humans, wouldn’t a manual that teaches us again how to navigate the jungle (in this case, urban) or build an umbrella if it rains (acid rain) come in handy?
By the way, to make an omelet, I don’t remember if I should crack the egg or put it in the pan with the shell… Sorry, I have to check online, goodbye. Happy reading!”
– Neri Marcorè