The History of Rasselas ─ Prince of Abissinia

Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia, feels trapped by his trouble-free life in the Happy Valley, a place of peace and luxury. When he encounters the much-travelled philosopher Imlac, he decides they should escape through the mountains to the country beyond, where he can experience the full range of human emotions. Joined by his sister and her attendant, they journey to Egypt, where they search for the true meaning of happiness by studying the lives of the people they meet. Wryly exploring the human condition and mankind's stoical capacity for hope, The History of Rasselas questions whether it is possible for man to make a choice to ensure lasting happiness - 'the choice of life'.
In his introduction, Paul Goring explores the philosophical themes of The History of Rasselas and the resonance it has today, and discusses Samuel Johnson's influences. This edition includes a chronology of Johnson's life and work, suggested further reading and notes on the text.