The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

armorial binding

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire continues to rank as a 'masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style and has remained one of the ageless historical works which... maintain their hold upon the layman and continue to stimulate the scholar' (PMM).

Controversial since its first appearance, Gibbon argued that Rome's fall 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' (chapter xxxviii). As a result, this hollow empire succumbed easily to the twin forces of barbarianism and Christianity which had been gaining momentum over the course of the fourth century AD.

Although attacked for his perceived irreligion, Gibbon's work received many positive reviews and has since become a cornerstone text in the study of Western history. Writing to Gibbon in December 1788, his friend Adam Smith noted that 'by the universal assent of every man of taste and learning... [Decline and Fall] sets you at the very head of the whole literary tribe at present existing in Europe' (ODNB).

From the library of Percy Lousada (1823-1859), with his bookplate and arms in gilt to the upper cover of each volume.

8 vols; 8vo (22 x 14.5 cm); engraved frontispiece to vol. I, 3 folding maps, bookplate to front pastedown of each vol.,offsetting to title-page of vol. I, slightly toned with moderate spotting particularly affecting plate and maps, maps with closed split along folds; contemporary armorial tan calf, gilt arms to upper covers of each vol., gilt spines, contrasting green and brown morocco lettering-pieces, a little rubbed and abraded, very good.

cf.PMM 222.