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Explicitly mentioned as a book published in 1724. A passage from the first volume is read aloud describing Rochester and Chatham. Described as 'a massive success' and 'by far his best-selling book' after Robinson Crusoe.

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Mentioned as Defoe's best-selling book when comparing it to his Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain. Referenced as evidence of Defoe's importance as 'Britain's first novelist.'

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Mentioned to emphasize the age of The Tale of Genji, noting it is '700 years older than Robinson Crusoe, which is generally thought to be the first English novel'

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Mentioned as the book that inspired Captain Alexander Ball to go to sea. The hosts discuss its historical significance in inspiring naval careers.

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Mentioned as one of the top four books read by British children as late as 1940

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Referenced when discussing the Enlightenment's fascination with the idea of the savage - 'you see that in Robinson Crusoe'

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Mentioned as possibly the very first historical novel, written 70 years after Great Plague of London