Super Short Summary

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia by Samuel Johnson follows Prince Rasselas of Abyssinia, who, feeling dissatisfied with the luxurious yet confining "happy valley," escapes with his mentor Imlac, his sister Nekayah, and her maid Pekuah. Together, they explore the world, especially Cairo, engaging in discussions about different lifestyles and philosophies to discover the nature of true happiness. Through various encounters, they realize that no single way of life guarantees fulfillment, ultimately returning to Abyssinia with a deeper understanding of human nature and the complexities of seeking happiness.