Swiss Family Robinson

Johann David Wyss (1743-1818) was, like the narrator of his famous story of survival on an uninhabited island, a Swiss pastor who had four sons. It was to entertain and instruct these children that he devised the idea of the island and its plethora of natural resources, but the writing of Der schweizerische Robinson is said to have been the responsibility of one of the sons, Johann Rudolf (1782-1830). First published in 1812, it was first translated into English two years later. Since then its translators have been many and they have freely adapted and expanded the original German text, making it one of the most popular novels of all time.

Robert Hunt is an award-winning artist and illustrator. After receiving a master’s degree in illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, he created a vast portfolio that includes editorial illustrations for many major publications, hundreds of book covers, and advertising campaigns. His notable projects include creating the DreamWorks logo and motion logos and documentaries on the Bay Bridge earthquake reconstruction and the Tour de France. Among his many awards, Hunt received the prestigious Hamilton King Award from the Society of Illustrators in 2015. He also teaches teaches illustration, professional practice, and painting at the California College of the Arts.