Literature Help: The History of Rasselas: Prince of Abissinia

“The History of Rasselas: Prince of Abissinia” by Samuel Johnson was first published In April 1759. The book was originally titled “The Prince of Abissinia: A Tale.”

It is said that Samuel Johnson had written it in only one week because he needed money to pay for his mother’s funeral. He intended to complete writing the book on the eve of his mother’s death.

The book was first published in Great Britain, and the author is said to have received only seventy five British pounds for the copyright.

Eventually, the book got published in America in 1768. It is said that Samuel Johnson was greatly influenced by the vogue for exotic locations.

Literature Help: The History of Rasselas: Prince of Abissinia
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Major Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Chapter Five: Thematic Analysis