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

a complete first edition set

First edition, one of 1,000 copies, of Gibbon's 'masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style' (PMM).

A monumental work, spanning nearly 1500 years of history, which has remained 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' (c.38, p.523). 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).

Illustrated with three folding engraved maps showing the extent of the Roman Empire.

First editions, vol. I in second state; 6 vols; 4to (29.5 x 23.5 cm); 3 folding-maps, vol. I second state with errata corrected in print as far as p.248 and p.xxv of notes, thereafter corrected in MS by pen, Preface correctly dated 'February 1st, 1776', bookplate to front pastedown of vol. I, lacking the portrait in vol. II, all vols bound without half-titles, pencil note to margins of vol. V p.179 occasional spotting; later sprinkle calf, rebacked, contrasting red and green morocco lettering-pieces to spine, hinges reinforced, covers slightly rubbed and abraded; [iii]-viii, [16], 586, [2], lxxxviii, [2]; [10], 640, [2]; [10], 640, [2]; [2], viii, [8], 620; [10], 684; [12], 646, [52]pp.

ESTC T78356, T78360, T78362 & T78365; Norton 20, 23 & 29; PMM 222; Rothschild 942.