The most famous historical work in English literature. Gibbon s Decline and Fall covers the thirteen centuries from the age of Trajan to the fall of Constantinople with unparalleled erudition, clarity, and organization. Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical genius of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in an inimitable prose (PMM).
Gibbon wrote that it was in Rome on October 15, 1764 while musing amidst the ruins of the Capitol, where the barefooted friars were singing vespers in the temple of Jupiter the idea of writing the decline and fall of the city originated into my mind. It was not until 1772, after his father s death and Gibbons taking up independent lodging in London, that he began the masterpiece which would be twenty years in the making.
Upon reading the manuscript for the first volume, Gibbon s publisher William Strahan doubled the printing order from 500 to 1000 copies.
In his Memoirs Gibbon described the period of waiting before publication of the first volume: During this awful interval I was neither elated by the ambition of fame; nor depressed by the apprehension of contempt. My diligence and precision were attested by my own conscience.
In a letter written shortly before his death, David Hume wrote to Gibbon praising the Decline and Fall but warning that it might not be well-received in England because Your Countrymen, for almost a whole Generation, have given themselves up to barbarism and absurd faction, and have totally neglected all polite Letters.
The book was a sensation, and the first printing sold out within a fortnight. Later volumes were published in greater numbers to satisfy the immense demand.
The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the causes of destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or accident had removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded to the pressure of its own weight. Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
Seemingly this handsome set has also been rebacked or rebound.
Hard cover: Very Good to Fine Condition for its age especially.
Original calfs leather, with loss and flaking to spines, split joints, gilt titling and decorations on spine, somewhat faded in places.
There are some wear along the edges of the boards but considering its age it is in a very good condition.
Light foxing throughout as can probably be expected for paper this age.
Recently repaired by a professional restorer where internal hinges have been restored.
Text blocks tight, secure and clean. In superb condition considering their age. Pages intact but for discolouring due to age. Please see photographs.
Name plate of Edward Bayly pasted on front pastedown of all 12 volumes, with blue stamped D. B. Donovan in top left corner of plates as well as on rear pastedowns of each copy, presumably of a later owner.
Published by Bell and Bradfute, Peter Hill, Silvester Doig, Stirling, London, 1815.
No Dust Jackets.
Binding Condition: Tight.
Overall Condition: Very Good to Fine, even for their age.
Size: Crown Octavo (8vo) 215 mm X 137 mm X average 32 mm.
Map fold outs: vol 1
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