The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia

By: Samuel Johnson

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

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 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; skeptical and probing, his tale nevertheless suggests that wisdom and self-knowledge need not be entirely beyond reach.

Public Domain (P)2016 Recorded Books

Review of Rasselas

The use of language is astounding. The performance is exceptional. Compulsory listening for the lovers of language

1759 classic

if you didn't know the date this was written, one would think it was written during the present day. trying to find happiness elsewhere brings him back home again

Many wise sayings and eloquent dialogue

Samuel Johnson was one of the greatest minds in history. Love reading anything he wrote. I wish Audible had more of his writings!