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The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia
  • Published: 10 October 2007
  • ISBN: 9780141920085
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 192

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia



New to Black Classics for one of the small classics of world literature

Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia, leaves the easy life of the Happy Valley, accompanied by his sister Nekayah, her attendant Pekuah, and the much-travelled philosopher Imlac. Their journey takes them to Egypt, where they study the various conditions of men's lives, before returning home in a 'conclusion in which nothing is concluded'. Johnson's tale is not only a satire on optimism, but also an expression of truth about the human mind and its infinite capacity for hope.

  • Published: 10 October 2007
  • ISBN: 9780141920085
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 192

About the author

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was the leading literary scholar and critic of his time. A writer of vigour, power, passion, and profundity, he helped to shape and define the Augustan Age.

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