His father, a violent-tempered autocrat, was appalled to discover that his eldest son, far from being a puritanical boor like himself, showed every sign of developing into a charming, fun-loving youth, with advanced aesthetic tastes.

ECONOMIST: Historical biography

But unlike Defoe's noble hero, Selkirk had been cast away for good reason: He was a violent, foul-tempered guy.

FORBES: Castaway