# Johann David Wyss

## Biography

Johann David Wyss, a Swiss clergyman, was born in Bern, Switzerland, on May 28, 1743, and passed away in his hometown on January 11, 1818. He served as a military chaplain in Italy and later as the rector of the Reformed Protestant Cathedral in Bern, remaining a clergyman throughout his life. Wyss is best remembered as the author of the classic adventure novel, *The Swiss Family Robinson* (Der schweizerische Robinson). Inspired by Daniel Defoe's *Robinson Crusoe*, he conceived the story primarily to entertain and educate his four sons, imparting lessons on Christian morality, family values, and self-sufficiency. The extensive manuscript was read aloud to his family before his son, Johann Rudolf Wyss, edited and published it in German in 1812. His other son, Johann Emmanuel, provided illustrations. Wyss's work, characterized by its Christian and moral tone, has since achieved international acclaim and numerous adaptations.

## Books

- [The Swiss Family Robinson](https://samolit.com/books/4866)