logo

50 pages 1 hour read

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1759

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Samuel Johnson

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1759
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ethiopia • 18th century

Publication Year

1759

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia by Samuel Johnson follows Prince Rasselas of Abyssinia, who, feeling dissatisfied with the luxurious yet confining "happy valley," escapes with his mentor Imlac, his sister Nekayah, and her maid Pekuah. Together, they explore the world, especially Cairo, engaging in discussions about different lifestyles and philosophies to discover the nature of true happiness. Through various encounters, they realize that no single way of life guarantees fulfillment, ultimately returning to Abyssinia with a deeper understanding of human nature and the complexities of seeking happiness.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

6,670 ratings

50%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

19%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Samuel Johnson's The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia offers deep philosophical insights into human happiness and the quest for fulfillment, but some readers find its prose archaic and its narrative structure less engaging. Nonetheless, Johnson's work is celebrated for its intellectual depth and moral reflections, making it a valuable read for those interested in 18th-century literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia?

A reader who enjoys The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia by Samuel Johnson would likely appreciate philosophical novels that explore human nature and happiness. Fans of Voltaire’s Candide or Thomas More’s Utopia would find this reflective journey into human desires and fulfillment compelling, due to its introspective and satirical themes.

4.0

6,670 ratings

50%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

19%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ethiopia • 18th century

Publication Year

1759

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.