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

prize-binding for The Law Society

An excellent example of Gibbon's celebrated history in a green morocco prize-binding by J. Low for The Law Society.

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.

2 vols; large 8vo (23 x 15 cm); full-page wood-engraved illustrations, including frontispiece to each vol., prize-plate to front pastedown of vol. I, bookbinder's tickets to pastedowns, a little toned; contemporary pebble-grain green morocco prize-binding by J. Low for The Law Society, gilt arms to upper-covers, gilt spines, all edges gilt,