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

tree calf gilt by Riviere & Son

An exceptional set in full tree calf gilt by Riviere & Son of the greatest historical work of the eighteenth century.

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' (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).

With Eton College provenance for the son of the Liberal MP Richard Fothergill (1822-1903): presented 'From Arthur Coleridge James to Sydney Roden Fothergill who left Eton homeless'.

8 vols; 8vo (22 x 15 cm); engraved frontispiece to vol. I, 11 folding maps, 2 further single-page plates of maps, bookplate to front pastedown of each vol., gift inscription in pen to front free endpaper of vol. I, occasional minor spotting; contemporary tree calf gilt by Riviere & Son, gilt spine in 6 compartments, contrasting brown and green morocco lettering-pieces, marbled edges, the odd mark to covers, spines a little faded, near fine.

cf.PMM 222.