Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia by Samuel Johnson

An attractively bound copy of the author's sole novel, Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia, featuring the celebrated illustrations of Robert Smirke. As Boswell observed, none of Johnson's “writings has been so extensively diffused over Europe” (Life of Johnson). This timeless work, first published in 1759, remains one of the most influential moral tales of the eighteenth century. Johnson is said to have written it within a single week to pay for his mother’s funeral, yet the result was a profound meditation on happiness, virtue, and the limits of human desire.

This 2025 limited edition, issued by Rambler Press in 25 hand-numbered copies, has been meticulously typeset in Brunel Roman No. 2, a typeface by Commercial Type Foundry. The design is based on the digital revival of letterforms originally cut by John Isaac Drury for Elizabeth Caslon around 1796, combining eighteenth-century grace with modern typographic precision. Each copy is printed on luxurious Conqueror Laid cotton paper and hand-bound in half-leather by Krzysztof Cofalik, ensuring the finest craftsmanship and lasting beauty.

Each volume is presented in its own protective custom-made etui, adding both refinement and preservation. The book is then enclosed in a specially crafted, hand-made marbled paper box, designed exclusively for this edition — a striking complement to the artisanal binding and a mark of its rarity.

Smirke’s exquisite illustrations — engraved by A. Raimbach after the original drawings now held at the Yale Center for British Art — capture the philosophical and emotional depth of Johnson’s narrative.

Every book is carefully packaged and shipped worldwide via FedEx courier, guaranteeing safe delivery. A true collector’s piece for lovers of classic English literature and fine press editions.