# Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia

**Author:** Samuel Johnson
**Tags:** Satire, Princes, Happiness, Ethiopia
**Price:** Free
**Formats:** DOCX, EPUB, FB2, PDF, TXT
**Downloads:** 46
**Added:** 10.07.2026
**URL:** https://samolit.com/books/96752

## Description

Prince Rasselas, confined to the idyllic but inescapable Happy Valley of Abyssinia, finds his days of luxurious ease hollow and unsatisfying. Surrounded by every earthly pleasure, he yearns for a deeper understanding of human existence and the elusive secret to true happiness. Accompanied by his thoughtful sister Nekayah, her maid Pekuah, and the wise philosopher Imlac, Rasselas daringly escapes his gilded cage. Their journey takes them through diverse lands, particularly Egypt, where they observe various walks of life. From hermits to shepherds, scholars to rulers, they scrutinize different paths, hoping to discover where genuine contentment resides. Yet, each new encounter reveals the persistent struggles and inherent disillusionments of worldly pursuits. Samuel Johnson's profound philosophical tale delves into the human condition, questioning the very possibility of lasting joy and the futility of seeking perfect bliss in an imperfect world, ultimately leading its characters to a poignant realization about the nature of their quest.