Note: Because Defoe did not divide Robinson Crusoe into sections or chapters, this summary will divide the book by indicating beginning and ending fragments of text. The section numbers are for ease of reference only, and do not appear in Defoe's text. The spelling and punctuation are those adopted in the Norton Critical Edition (second edition) of the text, edited by Michael Shinagel (New York and London: W.W. Norton, 1994). The page numbers refer to this edition, as well, and will therefore vary with other editions students use.

Summary & Analysis
The brief preface presents the framing conceit or device of Defoe's book: that what follow are one man's true adventures "worth making Publick" because they will justify the ways of Providence in the world. (Readers may be reminded of John Milton's stated purpose in his epic poem, Paradise Lost.) "The Editor" of the narrative (Defoe, presumably) points out how Crusoe's story will provide many moral lessons applicable to all people.