Johann David Wyss was a Swiss author, best remembered for his book The Swiss Family Robinson (Der schweizerische Robinson) (1812). Born and died in Bern, Switzerland, Wyss had a notable career beyond authorship, including studying at a university in Germany and serving as a librarian in his hometown.

Wyss's literary fame primarily stems from The Swiss Family Robinson, a novel inspired by Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. Desiring to create a narrative from which his own children could learn valuable life lessons—the father in the story being a conduit for these teachings—the book emphasizes moral and Christian values. First published in German in 1812 and later translated into English two years after, the novel has garnered immense popularity, establishing itself as one of the most beloved books globally.

The editing of The Swiss Family Robinson was undertaken by Wyss's son, Johann Rudolf Wyss, a scholar who also composed the Swiss national anthem, Rufst du, mein Vaterland. Another son, Johann Emmanuel Wyss, contributed illustrations for the book. Reflecting on Wyss's style, it is characterized as "firmly Christian and moral in tone", with the narrative abundantly infused with Christian ideologies and moral philosophies.