The History of Rasselas : Prince of Abyssinia (Wordsworth Classics) [Paperback]

Samuel Johnson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1840224207 | ISBN-13: 978-1840224207 | Publication Date: November 2000

This book comes with an introduction and notes by Michael Irwin, Professor of English Literature, University of Kent at Canterbury. "Rasselas" is a provocative fable about 'the choice of life'. Bored by the endless contentment of 'the happy valley' in which he has been brought up, Prince Rasselas escapes with his sister. They rove the world searching for the secret of happiness and striving to find the ideal way to live. Repeatedly the pleasures they glimpse dissolve on closer acquaintance, and the great men they admire prove flawed. Where, then, are happiness and purpose to be found? These questions, of course, remain open for each generation; but none has discussed them with more wisdom and humanity than Dr. Johnson. "Rasselas" is a searching and often darkly humorous commentary on the human condition as well as a classic of English prose.

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About the Author

Dr Saumuel Johnson was born on 18 September 1709. He was one of England's greatest literary figures: a poet, essayist, biographer, lexicographer and often considered the finest critic of English Literature. Best known for his Dictionary (1755), Johnson also wrote essays for The Rambler (1750-1752) and The Idler (1758-1760). He achieved a feat of English criticism in Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1781). He died on 13 December 1784. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840224207
• ISBN-13: 978-1840224207
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,863,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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