The History of Rasselas Prince of Abyssinia

Dr Samuel Johnson's novella, 'The History of Rasselas', in an attractively leather binding. This work is an apologue, or allegorical story, about happiness and suffering. Illustrated, with drawings by Richard Westall. With an engraved title page and three plates. This work was written so that Johnson could help to pay the costs of his mother's funeral, hence why the work was written in a week. The work concerns a young man travelling in the company of a teacher to encounter and examine human suffering in order to determine the root of happiness. In a full calf binding with gilt stamping to the spine and to the board edges. Externally, generally smart with rubbing to the joints and extremities. Loss to the head and tail of spine due to rubbing. Marks to front board. Prior owner's inscriptions to the recto of front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Some minor offsetting from plates. Occasional spots. Very Good.