Shortenings and Abridgments

The frequency and varying natures of the publication of Robinson Crusoe during the 18th century (and beyond) is quite interesting to study as it reveals much about the taste and publication practices over this span of time. There has been fattening of the text as just discussed, but there have also been shortenings and abridgements. Some have been slightly shortened while others were completely retold in only a few pages. RC was often edited and published for children. These versions made sure to omit the cannibal scenes. One edition, with explicit apologies to Defoe, in the title, says that it “leaves out all the dull parts.” One really strange abridgment, although from the mid-19th century, is Robinson Crusoe retold in words of only one syllable by Lucy Aikin under the pseudonym Mary Godolphin.

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