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The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire: Volumes 1-3, Volumes 4-6 Hardcover – December 21, 2010

by Edward Gibbon (Author), Hugh Trevor-Roper (Introduction)

4.6 649 ratings

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Edward Gibbon’s classic timeless work of ancient Roman history in 6 volumes collected into 2 box sets, in beautiful, enduring hardcover editions with elegant cloth sewn bindings, gold stamped covers, and silk ribbon markers.

Easily the most famous historical chronicle in English, Gibbon’s account of Roman decline remains a remarkably fresh and vital contribution to the subject more than two centuries after its first publication.

A landmark in its time for classical and historiographical scholarship, its fame today, however, rests more on the scope and force of Gibbon’s argument and the brilliance of his style, which is still an utter delight to read. But above all, the book is a superb monument to the Enlightenment ideal of rational enquiry which Gibbon made the object of his life’s work. With an introduction by renowned scholar Hugh Trevor-Roper.

Everyman's Library pursues the highest production standards, printing on acid-free cream-colored paper, with full-cloth cases with two-color foil stamping, decorative endpapers, silk ribbon markers, and European-style half-round spines. Everyman’s Library Classics include an introduction, a select bibliography, and a chronology of the author's life and times.

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About the Author

Edward Gibbon (1737–1794), born into a prosperous family, was by turns historian, member of the House of Commons, and member of Dr. Johnson’s Club. He is considered the greatest English Enlightenment historian on the basis of his masterpiece, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

Hugh Trevor-Roper (1914–2003) was a historian of early modern Britain and Nazi Germany. He was the Regius Professor of History at the University of Oxford. Trevor-Roper's most famous work is The Last Days of Hitler.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Everyman's Library; Reprint edition (December 21, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 3980 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0307700763
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0307700766
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.36 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.25 x 6.25 x 12.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #359,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #583 in Ancient Roman History (Books)
- #655 in History of Civilization & Culture
- #1,240 in History & Theory of Politics

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Edward Gibbon

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Edward Gibbon (/ˈɡɪbən/; 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 organized religion.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Joshua Reynolds [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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MK

A MUST HAVE

Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024

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Edward Gibbon's monumental work, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," is a masterful examination of one of the most significant periods in human history. Spanning six volumes, Gibbon meticulously chronicles the rise, zenith, and eventual collapse of the Roman Empire, covering a vast array of political, social, and cultural developments from the 2nd century AD to the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

Gibbon's narrative is both sweeping and detailed, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that contributed to the decline of Roman power. He explores the internal decay of the empire, including political corruption, economic instability, and social upheaval, as well as external threats such as barbarian invasions and the rise of new powers in the East.

What makes Gibbon's work truly remarkable is his ability to blend scholarly rigor with elegant prose. His writing is richly textured, filled with vivid descriptions, insightful analysis, and memorable anecdotes that bring the past to life. Moreover, Gibbon's wit and irony add a layer of sophistication to his narrative, making it not only informative but also entertaining to read.

While "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" is undoubtedly a challenging read due to its length and complexity, it is also immensely rewarding. Gibbon's magnum opus remains a seminal work in the field of history, shaping our understanding of the Roman Empire and its legacy for generations to come. Whether you're a seasoned historian or a casual reader with an interest in the ancient world, Gibbon's masterpiece is a must-read for anyone seeking to delve into the intricacies of Rome's rise and fall.

This is a MUST HAVE for any bibliophile.

6 people found this helpful

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Levi

Fantastic

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024

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Excellent value, the books are very high quality and excellently written, certainly the definitive book on the Roman Empire, although it notably starts with the empire and not from the beginning of Rome as a monarchy or republic, which in my opinion exemplify more of the "Roman" spirit that we so commonly look back on

2 people found this helpful

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Heather Bane

Very nice

Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024

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Great work, great set. I have decided to read it again, since I have not since prep school. The bindings are sound, and the set is packaged attractively.

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Beat a ’Bhèist

MUST READ ALL US Citizens- How Democracies "Live or Perish" & US Constitution etc.......

Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2018

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All in the United States of America should in fact read this work as well as "Pax Romana: War, Peace and Conquest in the Roman World"- Sep 13, 2016 by Adrian Goldsworthy. Like Mr. Goldsworthy's work, it reminds one of a whole lot of things-in particular that "democracies" or "Empires" do not fall from without but from within! Furthermore, it explains how the "Romans" were successful in "in-corp-orating" the "populations" of many cultures and religions. Also, how the "roman" Empire was in fact successful and last so long by "Guarding" their "Blind" spots on both the "fringes" and "with-in" their own "House" so to speak! It reminds one of the 'Jimi Hendrix' songs "All Along The Watch Tower" and "Purple Haze!" [Jimi Hendrix was a soldier in Vietnam in the 101st-ABN Corps {"Band of Brothers"} part of the US Army's illustrious XVII-Aborne Corps- kind of like a 'Roman" Legion Designation- HQ Fort Bragg NC see: WikiPedia}] Oddly, since before ROME, "purple" has been the color of royalist and the "highly" influential! And there have always been "GATES" or "wickets" one must sadly "pass," supposedly......for US ALL!

It is also kind of like the "Jethro Tull" album "Storm Watch (NC-IS)" as the Romans built "Hadrian's Wall" in England to "deter" the Picts and kept "out post's" all along the Rhine River (Wacht am Rhine) to prevent "Germanic" tribe "incursions/infiltration!" Oddly, the "ROMANS" lost an entire "legion" in Germany, because they "trained/educated" a "highly" prominent son of a very "DOMINANT" German Tribe, that "tricked" the Roman's and led the "legion Commander" to his and his "legionnaires" demise! Kind of, like Osama Bin Laden, etc..., whom was trained by the US during the Soviet Union 'occupation' of Afghanistan- and the US had numerous opportunities to "negate" prior to 9-11; which is also oddly the US's universal "Police" emergency number which "originated" in Alabama! The, Roman's also hired "mercenaries" to guard their "frontiers/borders" such as Alderic- if I remember correctly- whom eventually "sacked" Rome! This, with the never ending wars in Iraq/Afghanistan, and elsewhere, spawning huge US, and other, "private'- 'part-time (GN)" armies should be a "heavy" lesson and "warning" to all- perhaps????

Oddly, the US Constitution EXPRESSLY FORBIDS US Leader's from accepting "titles of NOBILITY" as well as "no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever from any King, Prince or foreign State!" So why then are "Foreign Entities" allowed to make US "political campaign" CONT_RI_BUT_IONS???" As is this not "foreign" influence in US Domestic affairs???? It is kind of like how author "Jim Marrs" [at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=jim+marrs+books&sprefix=Jim+Marrs%2Caps%2C490&crid=2YHJ6RDBWBG0B ] and others, on internet write, that some of our previous "leaders" are actually related to the Royal families of Europe....?????

Finally, the Romans routinely, 'broke' or "dissolved" treaties and "arrangements" with other nations if they were no longer in the "best" interest of Rome and her citizen's kind of like the US Constitution mandates and is "taught" in Political Science and International Relations, etc....! Another, lesson perhaps "pertinent" in today's world of INDUSTRIAL-GLOBLIZATION??????? (All this is sort of depicted in the movie "GLADIATOR' with Russell Crowe- kind of like "Master and Commander!')

The founding fathers of the US were in fact, merchant's, soldiers, scientist's, explorer's and in a few cases "attorneys!" By and large they were "visionaries" who for their time. were very "highly" educated in a whole lot of different "disciplines" like Benjamin Franklin- scientist, politician, medicine, historian, etc....! The US Constitution itself states Congress is "to promote the Progress of Science useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective Writings and Discoveries! The IMPORTANT POINT being to "promote the Progress of Science [Useful Art]!" (The word "art" having many meanings as well as the word "useful'!!!!)

Every US Citizen should read this work, as it is part of the "CHAIN" of "books" on the back cover of "Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide (Big Fat Notebooks)" Paperback – August 9, 2016by Workman Publishing (Author),‎ Editors of Brain Quest (Draft Writer) [at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Everything-You-Need-Science-Notebook/dp/0761160957/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525259778&sr=8-1&keywords=everything+you+need+to+ace+science } which are oddly from right to left almost in 'ROY-G-BIV" in arrangement!

PS: The HBO mini-series ROME is "highly" informative, and a great example of 'politics" etc.......

Also, per US Constitution "no state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of mark and reprisal; coin money, emit bills of credit; make any thing...etc..." Wonder what the "sister city" concept is all about a lot of cities in Alabama, and other states as well as colleges and Universities is in fact all about...????"

26 people found this helpful

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Tom Diaz

We Who Are About to Read This, Salute Us.

Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2016

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Gibbon's history is said to still be in the ballpark. But his writing can be timeless and brilliant. This edition is nicely printed and bound, comes in a slip box. Be advised, however, that (1) you aren't going to knock this off in anything like a few nights by the mythical fire, and (2) you probably are going to want a an easy, quick modern reference on the history nearby, as Gibbons often assumes a classical education that most or at least I don't have on this period.

9 people found this helpful

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Joe Wad

The Roman empire history is very important to learn about

Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2024

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I just started reading this book and seems interesting to learn the Roman history.

Frafz.

Pode um livro sobre a queda de Roma ser atual?

Reviewed in Brazil on March 17, 2023

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Jamais achei que fosse interessar-me pela leitura dos seis volumes do livro 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'. Afinal, existem várias versões abreviadas dessa obra... Entretanto, quanto mais eu aprendia a respeito de seu autor, melhor eu percebia a importância desse historiador iluminista que era também (segundo consta) um excelente escritor. Outra coisa que também acabei entendendo é que um livro sobre a decadência de Roma pode ser extremamente atual. Isaac Asimov que o diga.

A edição da Everyman's Library (produzida na Alemanha) é perfeita, inclusive no tamanho das fontes utilizadas; consigo ler o texto e até as notas confortavelmente, mesmo sem usar meus óculos. Paguei um preço bastante razoável (com a promoção de 30% na semana do consumidor) e estou feliz da vida.

14 people found this helpful

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Obed Kamei

All time favourite

Reviewed in India on October 7, 2021

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Beautiful set of books. Delivered on time and in good condition. Surprisingly bought it for cheap rate. The books urge you to read seriously to get the indepth beauty of Gibbons.

Zbyhnev

One of the most important books ever

Reviewed in Germany on November 8, 2017

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Gibbon's magnum opus is seriously and without any hint of exaggeration one of the most important historical works of all time (well, so far). A deep, encyclopaedic knowledge is fused with a brilliant wit.

(P.S. Yes, it's the Christians fault. We lost a thousand years because of a middle eastern sect. History repeats itself.)

6 people found this helpful

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Don Calavera

Amazing books

Reviewed in Mexico on January 15, 2016

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Im not a native english speaker so the prose is really hard to follow but the quality of the books and the importance of Gibbon's work is undeniable

3 people found this helpful

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