Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia

In the idyllic confines of the Happy Valley, Prince Rasselas enjoys every comfort yet feels a deep and growing discontent. Determined to discover what truly brings happiness, he escapes with his sister, Nekayah, and the philosopher Imlac to explore the wider world.Their travels through royal courts, quiet hermitages, bustling cities, and philosophical debates reveal a universal truth: every condition of life carries its own burdens. Wealth, fame, solitude, learning-none provide the certainty of joy that Rasselas seeks.Written in just a week, Samuel Johnson's only novel is both a tale of adventure and a profound meditation on human nature. With graceful prose and sharp insight, Johnson examines the restless search for purpose and the mystery of satisfaction.Timeless and thought-provoking, Rasselas invites readers to reflect on their own pursuits and to ask: what does it mean to live well?