Biography

Wyss is best remembered for his book The Swiss Family Robinson. A pastor with four sons, it is said that he was inspired by Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, but wanted to write a story in from which his own children would learn, as the father in the story taught important lessons to his children. The Swiss Family Robinsonwas first published in 1812 and translated into English two years later. It has since become one of the most popular books of all time. The book was edited by his son, Johann Rudolf Wyss, a scholar who wrote the Swiss national anthem. Another son, Johann Emmanuel Wyss, illustrated the book.