I can remember reading this book in middle or high school (it was my choice to read it--not assigned). And on this date in 1719, Daniel Defoe published The Strange Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. Although he is remembered fondly for this book today, he was a controversial character back then. He was one who wrote a publication that actually got him thrown in jail for a while. It was a satire on high church leaders that was not well-received.
For more info:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/robinson-crusoe-is-published
http://famousdaily.com/history/daniel-defoe-publishes-robinson-crusoe.html
