Item #91 THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA: A TALE. Miniature, Dr. Samuel Johnson.
THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA: A TALE
THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA: A TALE
THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA: A TALE
THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA: A TALE
THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA: A TALE

THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA: A TALE

London: Jones & Co., 1825. First Edition in Miniature. Leather. Miniature (2.6" x 4.5"), rebound in full brown leather with gold stamping and labels, 5 hubs, engraved frontispiece of Dr Saml Johnson, engraved title page, 160 pages. Near Fine. Item #91

Rare Miniature of the larger original published in 1759.

Rasselas is Dr. Johnson's version of a morality tale about what constitutes True Happiness that rivals Voltaire's, Candide. The volumes' working title was "The Choice of Life." The name "Rasselas" means "The Chief" of a tribe in exotic Abyssinia. The Great Cham & Lexicographer was pro-emancipation and had a black manservant whom he treated very well. This minor classic was supposedly written by the good Doctor to defray expenses expected with his mother's funeral. In fact, there are signs of extensive revisions in early editions that suggest greater literary intentions.

Rebound in fine brown morocco with gilt stamped title and author on the spine. Foxed engraved frontispiece and title page, otherwise pages bright and legible with a tight binding tight. Lower margin of page 7 roughly torn away but not affecting the clear text.

Price: $245.00

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