Rasselas and Other Tales Samuel Johnson, Gwin J. Kolb

This volume brings together three of Johnson's longest fictional pieces, works which embody different literary genres but share unusual similarities in some of their principle themes and emphases. "Rasselas", perhaps the most popular of Johnson's publications, is a philosophical tale that encompasses the full range of Johnson's thinking on moral, psychological and literary matters. It is considered by many to be central to an understanding of Johnson and his age. "The Vision of Theodore", a moral allegory, and "The Fountains", a fairy tale, demonstrate clearly the variety of Johnson's narrative skills. The three works are introduced and annotated by Gwin J. Kolb, a recognized authority on "Rasselas", and the texts reflect Kolb's examination of pertinent materials. The introductions cover a wider range of topics than has been addressed in previous editions, and the historical notes comprise the largest body of glosses that has accompanied the three pieces.