author
John Howell
1788–1863
A restless, many-sided figure from Edinburgh, this 19th-century writer mixed adventure storytelling with a life of bold experiments and unusual inventions. He is best remembered for turning the real story behind Robinson Crusoe into a lively narrative for readers of his day.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in Edinburgh in 1788, this Scottish author was also known as a bookbinder, editor, shopkeeper, and inventor. Sources consistently describe him as a true "polyartist"—someone whose interests ranged widely across practical trades, writing, and mechanical experiments.
His best-known book is The Life and Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe, a narrative based on the life of the marooned sailor whose story helped inspire Defoe's famous novel. That blend of fact, travel, and adventure makes his work a natural fit for listeners who enjoy early nonfiction with a storytelling touch.
He seems to have spent most of his life in Edinburgh and became locally memorable not just for his books but for ambitious experiments, including attempts at flying and underwater travel. He died in 1863, leaving behind the portrait of an energetic, curious writer who treated ideas as things to build as well as stories to tell.