32. Rasselas by Samual Johnson

Samuel Johnson is famous for his Dictionary of the English Language, but also wrote this one novel, published in 1759.  He uses the experiences of Rasselas to reflect on a variety of topics.  Rasselas is raised in a protected environment from which he escapes to explore the world, and discovers that everyone he meets - kings, philosophers and shepherds -  is dissatisfied with their lot.