HISTORY OF RASSELAS, THE

An established classic, often compared to Voltaire's CAndide, Rasselas is perhaps its author's most creative work, here presented in a sparkling new edition.

- Authoritative introduction by Thomas Keymer relating the story to Johnson's life, thought, and writings; the rise of the novel genre; philosophical scepticism of the Enlightenment period; literary orientalism; society and the global context of the Seven Years War.

- Authoritative text incorporating Johnson's revisions to the second edition, newly typeset.

- Up-to-date bibliography.

- Extensive explanatory annotation based on original research and relating the novel to its literary, philosophical, and political contexts.

New to this edition

- Introduction by Thomas Keymer, leading eighteenth-century scholar.

- Up-to-date bibliography.

- Explanatory Notes based on original research.

- Authoritative text completely re-set.

'What then is to be done? said Rasselas; the more we inquire, the less we can resolve.'

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. Their travels and enquiries raise important practical and philosophical questions concerning many aspects of the human condition, including the business of a poet, the stability of reason, the immortality of the soul, and how to find contentment. Johnson's adaptation of the popular oriental tale displays his usual wit and perceptiveness; sceptical and probing, his tale nevertheless suggests that wisdom and self-knowledge need not be entirely beyond reach.

This new edition relates the novel to Johnson's life and thought and to politics, society, and the global context of the Seven Years War.

ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Readership: Readers of classic fiction and Samuel Johnson, students of eighteenth-century literature, the eighteenth-century novel, courses on The Age of Johnson/The Age of Sensibility; often read/studied on comparative courses alongside Voltaire's Candide.