Johnson, Samuel - The History of Rasselas Prince of Abyssinia

A Tale

London, Charles Tilt/ Edinburgh, J. Menzies/ Dublin, W. F. Wakeman, 1836

Gilt lettered and blind stamped decorated covers (front and back) and spine.
All edges gilt
A miniature book, 4.5" x 2.75"
168 Pages

GOOD
Corners and edges slightly bumped

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia, often abbreviated to Rasselas, is a novella. Johnson was influenced by the vogue for exotic locations. He had translated A Voyage to Abyssinia by Jeronimo Lobo in 1735 and used it as the basis for this book. While the story is thematically similar to Candide by Voltaire - both concern young men traveling in the company of honored teachers, encountering and examining human suffering in an attempt to determ ine the root of happiness.
The question Rasselas confronts most directly is whether or not humanity is essentially capable of attaining happiness. The question Rasselas confronts most directly is whether or not humanity is essentially capable of attaining happiness.
The plot concerns Rasselas, son of the King of Abissinia ( modern day Ethiopia), who leaves his home in company with his sister, Nekayah, and a philosopher, Imlac, to seek adventure. His observation of other kinds of people eventually leads to the conclusion that there is no easy path to happiness, and he returns to Abyssinia along with his companions.

Samuel Johnson (18 September 1709 [OS 7 September] – 13 December 1784), often called Dr Johnson, was an English writer who made lasting contributions as a poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography calls him "arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history"

Shipping fee (Netherlands with track & trace: € 5,25; Belgium: € 8,95) to be paid by buyer