ADVERTISEMENT.

To descant upon the merits of a book that has won the approbation of critics in every civilized country, and has achieved an almost unequalled popularity, so that its very name has become a familiar household word, would, indeed, be a work of supererogation. It is sufficient to say of it, that the lapse of a century and a half since its first publication has in no degree impaired the reputation of "Robinson Crusoe." It is a book, if not "for all time," at least for so long a period as the English language shall endure; indeed, it may be averred that it has taken such firm root in the literature of the world, and has so widely shed its leaves. of knowledge, morality, and entertainment, as to defy eradication.

It is a great glory to England to have given birth to a cluster of men whose works have found a world-wide acceptance, and which have at the same time exerted a salutary influence on the intellectual and moral development of mankind only inferior to the teachings of Scripture itself. Amongst these illustrious men-in association with Shakspeare, Bacon, Milton, Bunyan, and Newton-De Foe is entitled to take rank as the author of the most entertaining and truth-like fiction that has yet been, or perhaps ever will be, produced. "Robinson Crusoe" stands alone as the book of books in its power to fascinate, interest, and elevate the youthful mind. Moreover, it is not too much to claim for its author the merit of having greatly assisted in promoting the growth of that spirit, at once manly, truthful, self-relying, and humane, which so

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pre-eminently distinguishes the English character, and by the exercise of which our people have become foremost in the noble race of a healthful civilization, and in spreading its benefits over a very large portion of the world's surface.

That such a work, abounding in scenes and situations admirably adapted for pictorial treatment, should have engaged the willing services of various excellent artists, is not to be wondered at. It has been a fertile theme for the exercise of their talent and skill, not only in this country, but abroad, especially in France. It would be invidious here to attempt to disparage these several attempts, some of which, especially the designs made, to a limited extent, by Stothard, and the clever French woodcuts of Grandville, deserve much commendation; but it has long been acknowledged that the task had not been on the whole satisfactorily accomplished and that a series of Illustrations, which should combine the various elements of poetical feeling, delineation of character, accuracy of costume and scenery, and artistic effect, was still a desideratum.

Impressed with this conviction, the proprietors of the present Edition, in the hope of successfully meeting the requirement, resolved to avail themselves of the services of Mr. J. D. WATSON, the successful illustrator of "The Pilgrim's Progress"-a cognate work as to popularity; and this distinguished artist having taken up the subject con amore, Messrs. DALZIEL, the eminent engravers on wood, were entrusted with the delicate and difficult task of cutting his designs. How successfully this undertaking has been accomplished the present Volume will show; and it is confidently offered to the public as one that will, at all events, do credit to English art and typography.

2, FARRINGDON STREET, October, 1863.