#12131

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Rasselas

Book • 1759

Written in 1759, 'Rasselas' follows the journey of a prince from Abyssinia who leaves his luxurious but confined life in the Happy Valley to explore the world and discover the secret of happiness.

Alongside his companions, he encounters various lifestyles and philosophies, ultimately concluding that true happiness is elusive.

The book is a critique of the optimism prevalent during the Enlightenment.

Mentioned by

Christopher Scalia

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Mentioned by

Tom Holland

as a novella Johnson hastily wrote to pay for his mother's funeral and that became a publishing sensation.

650. London’s Golden Age: The Mad Life of Dr Johnson (Part 1)

Included in

Christopher Scalia

's book '13 novels conservatives will love'.

Episode 89: Read Another Book — with Christopher J. Scalia

Mentioned by

Christopher Scalia

as a work focusing on universal human nature and the inherent restlessness of humanity.

Buckley’s Book Club

Mentioned by

John Overholt

as a novel by Samuel Johnson that was reprinted many times in the 19th century.

Rare books, burned letters, and Johnson’s dictionary, with John Overholt

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