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History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire - Volume 1
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a six-volume work by the English historian Edward Gibbon. It traces Western civilization (as well as the Islamic and Mongolian conquests) from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium. Volume I was published in 1776 and went through six printings. Volumes II and III were published in 1781;volumes IV, V, and VI in 1788–1789. The six volumes cover the history, from 98 to 1590, of the Roman Empire, the history of early Christianity and then of the Roman State Church, and the history of Europe, and discusses the decline of the Roman Empire among other things.
603 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2022
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About the author
Edward Gibbon
1,994 books597 followersEdward Gibbon (8 May 1737 – 16 January 1794) was an English historian and Member of Parliament. His most important work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788. The Decline and Fall is known for the quality and irony of its prose, its use of primary sources, and its open criticism of organised religion.
Gibbon returned to England in June 1765. His father died in 1770, and after tending to the estate, which was by no means in good condition, there remained quite enough for Gibbon to settle fashionably in London at 7 Bentinck Street, independent of financial concerns. By February 1773, he was writing in earnest, but not without the occasional self-imposed distraction. He took to London society quite easily, and joined the better social clubs, including Dr. Johnson's Literary Club, and looked in from time to time on his friend Holroyd in Sussex. He succeeded Oliver Goldsmith at the Royal Academy as 'professor in ancient history' (honorary but prestigious). In late 1774, he was initiated a freemason of the Premier Grand Lodge of England. And, perhaps least productively in that same year, he was returned to the House of Commons for Liskeard, Cornwall through the intervention of his relative and patron, Edward Eliot. He became the archetypal back-bencher, benignly "mute" and "indifferent," his support of the Whig ministry invariably automatic. Gibbon's indolence in that position, perhaps fully intentional, subtracted little from the progress of his writing.
After several rewrites, with Gibbon "often tempted to throw away the labours of seven years," the first volume of what would become his life's major achievement, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published on 17 February 1776. Through 1777, the reading public eagerly consumed three editions for which Gibbon was rewarded handsomely: two-thirds of the profits amounting to approximately £1,000. Biographer Leslie Stephen wrote that thereafter, "His fame was as rapid as it has been lasting." And as regards this first volume, "Some warm praise from David Hume overpaid the labour of ten years."
Volumes II and III appeared on 1 March 1781, eventually rising "to a level with the previous volume in general esteem." Volume IV was finished in June 1784; the final two were completed during a second Lausanne sojourn (September 1783 to August 1787) where Gibbon reunited with his friend Deyverdun in leisurely comfort. By early 1787, he was "straining for the goal" and with great relief the project was finished in June. Gibbon later wrote:
It was on the day, or rather the night, of 27 June 1787, between the hours of eleven and twelve, that I wrote the last lines of the last page in a summer-house in my garden. ... I will not dissemble the first emotions of joy on the recovery of my freedom, and perhaps the establishment of my fame. But my pride was soon humbled, and a sober melancholy was spread over my mind by the idea that I had taken my everlasting leave of an old and agreeable companion, and that, whatsoever might be the future date of my history, the life of the historian must be short and precarious.
Volumes IV, V, and VI finally reached the press in May 1788, their publication having been delayed since March so it could coincide with a dinner party celebrating Gibbon's 51st birthday (the 8th). Mounting a bandwagon of praise for the later volumes were such contemporary luminaries as Adam Smith, William Robertson, Adam Ferguson, Lord Camden, and Horace Walpole. Smith remarked that Gibbon's triumph had positioned him "at the very head of [Europe's] literary tribe."
Gibbon returned to England in June 1765. His father died in 1770, and after tending to the estate, which was by no means in good condition, there remained quite enough for Gibbon to settle fashionably in London at 7 Bentinck Street, independent of financial concerns. By February 1773, he was writing in earnest, but not without the occasional self-imposed distraction. He took to London society quite easily, and joined the better social clubs, including Dr. Johnson's Literary Club, and looked in from time to time on his friend Holroyd in Sussex. He succeeded Oliver Goldsmith at the Royal Academy as 'professor in ancient history' (honorary but prestigious). In late 1774, he was initiated a freemason of the Premier Grand Lodge of England. And, perhaps least productively in that same year, he was returned to the House of Commons for Liskeard, Cornwall through the intervention of his relative and patron, Edward Eliot. He became the archetypal back-bencher, benignly "mute" and "indifferent," his support of the Whig ministry invariably automatic. Gibbon's indolence in that position, perhaps fully intentional, subtracted little from the progress of his writing.
After several rewrites, with Gibbon "often tempted to throw away the labours of seven years," the first volume of what would become his life's major achievement, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published on 17 February 1776. Through 1777, the reading public eagerly consumed three editions for which Gibbon was rewarded handsomely: two-thirds of the profits amounting to approximately £1,000. Biographer Leslie Stephen wrote that thereafter, "His fame was as rapid as it has been lasting." And as regards this first volume, "Some warm praise from David Hume overpaid the labour of ten years."
Volumes II and III appeared on 1 March 1781, eventually rising "to a level with the previous volume in general esteem." Volume IV was finished in June 1784; the final two were completed during a second Lausanne sojourn (September 1783 to August 1787) where Gibbon reunited with his friend Deyverdun in leisurely comfort. By early 1787, he was "straining for the goal" and with great relief the project was finished in June. Gibbon later wrote:
It was on the day, or rather the night, of 27 June 1787, between the hours of eleven and twelve, that I wrote the last lines of the last page in a summer-house in my garden. ... I will not dissemble the first emotions of joy on the recovery of my freedom, and perhaps the establishment of my fame. But my pride was soon humbled, and a sober melancholy was spread over my mind by the idea that I had taken my everlasting leave of an old and agreeable companion, and that, whatsoever might be the future date of my history, the life of the historian must be short and precarious.
Volumes IV, V, and VI finally reached the press in May 1788, their publication having been delayed since March so it could coincide with a dinner party celebrating Gibbon's 51st birthday (the 8th). Mounting a bandwagon of praise for the later volumes were such contemporary luminaries as Adam Smith, William Robertson, Adam Ferguson, Lord Camden, and Horace Walpole. Smith remarked that Gibbon's triumph had positioned him "at the very head of [Europe's] literary tribe."
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September 8, 2022old british men need to learn how to analyze history without being homophobic and anti-semitic
November 7, 2023
Very informative, but at times very challenging to read as the author had a tendency to be very “wordy”. Enjoyed the detail presented regarding each “emperor” and the transition from one to the next. Was surprised to learn that the changes in leadership were rarely smooth and also how Rome was constantly threatened by the tribes on its borders. One is taught to believe that Rome was a dominant conquering military power that never lost a battle, which the reader will learn was far from the truth. One also learns how much power resided with the emperor and that it wasn’t the smooth running republic it has been made out to be. Intrigued by the transitional period from Diocletian to Constantine. Looking forward to Vol II.
December 26, 2022
I'll skip the "while history doesn't repeat itself, it certainly does rhyme" talking points no matter how true they are.
Its a great reminder of how all of Rome's emperors, even Hadrian - best known for great public works and increasing the quality of life for Romans - were real jerks.
A general was sent to deal with a prince from Gaul who made life difficult for Rome. After being on the receiving end of every twist, turn and trick in the book - he finally caught up to him with his army by a river. The prince swam downriver, the general took off his armor, cape, helmet and went "I'll be back with his head". He dove in, and came back a few hours later exactly how he said he would.
So he and his army go back to Rome and everyone's jumping up and down because how dare Gaul fight back when being crushed out of existence and history itself. Upon hearing the good news, Hadrian has the general do a walk of shame around the senate because he removed his insignia and indicator of rank, and in his opinion exercised poor judgement in this leading by example. The senators and everyone in the room knew it was nonsense, but no one said anything cause the emperor said so.
So remember ladies and jerks, even results aren't good enough for an emperor. Even if he was without doubt one of the most capable emperors who ever occupied the throne, and devoted his great and varied talents to the interests of the state.
Its a great reminder of how all of Rome's emperors, even Hadrian - best known for great public works and increasing the quality of life for Romans - were real jerks.
A general was sent to deal with a prince from Gaul who made life difficult for Rome. After being on the receiving end of every twist, turn and trick in the book - he finally caught up to him with his army by a river. The prince swam downriver, the general took off his armor, cape, helmet and went "I'll be back with his head". He dove in, and came back a few hours later exactly how he said he would.
So he and his army go back to Rome and everyone's jumping up and down because how dare Gaul fight back when being crushed out of existence and history itself. Upon hearing the good news, Hadrian has the general do a walk of shame around the senate because he removed his insignia and indicator of rank, and in his opinion exercised poor judgement in this leading by example. The senators and everyone in the room knew it was nonsense, but no one said anything cause the emperor said so.
So remember ladies and jerks, even results aren't good enough for an emperor. Even if he was without doubt one of the most capable emperors who ever occupied the throne, and devoted his great and varied talents to the interests of the state.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews