[Rarebooks] FS - Johnson's Rasselas, 1759

[GREENFIELD BOOKS]

*JOHNSON, Dr. Samuel [writing anonymously]. /THE PRINCE OF ABISSINIA A 
Tale in Two Volumes./* R. & J. Dodsley and W. Johnston, London. 1759. 12mo.

This is the second edition of the work now universally known as 
"Rasselas", and it is almost in every respect identical with the 
extremely rare first edition issued a few weeks before it, on April 19, 
1759. It is a philosophical novella (the Oxford Companion to English 
Literature describes it as a "didactic romance") which tells of the life 
of Prince Rasselas and Nekayah, his sister, who are kept in a place 
called the Happy Valley in the land of Abissinia (Abyssinia). The Valley 
is a place free of problems, where any desire is quickly satisfied. The 
constant pleasure, however, does not lead to satisfaction; and, with the 
help of a philosopher named Imlac, Rasselas escapes and explores the 
world to witnes how all aspects of society and life in the outside world 
are filled with suffering. They return to Abissinia, but do not wish to 
return to the state of constantly fulfilled pleasures found in the Happy 
Valley.

"Rasselas" was written during the evenings of one week, in order for 
Johnson to raise enough money to bury his mother, and to pay some of her 
debts. It was published anonymously, and Boswell says of it that it 
contains "all the force and beauty of which the English language is 
capable". Our little set contains the Chippendale bookplate of John 
Buller, of Morval, and the signature of Anne Lennon, his wife (c. 1770), 
the predecessors of Sir Redvers Buller.

Both volumes have been freshly restored and re-bound in full book calf 
with five raised bands to each spine. Leaf A2, volume II, reads 
"Contents of the second volume". "Indiscerpible" at p. 161, of volume 
II.  Volume II also contains final blank leaf (M4). Pagination: pp. 
viii, 159; viii, 165. The contents are clean throughout with only the 
very occasional spot of foxing. Overall, a magnificent set. ESTC T57339 
and T139510.

Price: $1,850.00.

Terms of sale - the price is in USD. Payment by check, credit card, or 
wire transfer. Packing, postage, and insurance charge $10 worldwide. 
Returnable within seven days of receipt if not as described.

 
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