Robinson Crusoe sets sail in August 1651, despite the misgivings of his parents (who'd rather he find a proper career, possibly in law). Many of his journeys end in chaos, particularly one harrowing voyage in which his ship is taken over by Sal� pirates and Crusoe finds himself enslaved. He escapes, however, and together with a boy named Xury, he sets out for Brazil where he settles for several years before returning to Africa. The return voyage proves tumultuous, however, and he is shipwrecked on an island, which he names the Island of Despair.