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