HISTORY OF RASSELAS PRINCE OF ABISSINIA (OXFORD WORLDS) (PB)

Rasselas and his companions escape the pleasures of the 'happy valley' in order to make their 'choice of life'. By witnessing the misfortunes and miseries of others they may come to understand the nature of happiness, and value it more highly. Johnson's adaptation of the popular oriental tale displays his usual wit and perceptiveness. This edition relates the novel to Johnson's life and thought, and to politics, society and the global context of the Seven Years War.