GIBBON, E. | History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776-1788, 6 volumes
GIBBON, EDWARD
THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. FOR W. STRAHAN AND T. CADELL, 1776--1788
4to, 6 volumes, FIRST EDITIONS, half-titles, errata leaves at the end of first three volumes and on verso of final leaf of volume 6, 3 folding maps bound in volume 2 (one of them normally found in volume 3), second state of volume 1, engraved portrait by Hall after Reynolds at the beginning of volume 2, 12pp. of Contents at the beginning of volume 2, G1 and Ll1 cancels in volume 2 (signed G* and *Ll), H3 and L2 cancels in volume 4 (the latter signed *L2), p.177 in volume 3 correctly numbered, misprint "Honorious" for "Honorius" in line 18 on p.179, contemporary tree calf, some slight spotting and foxing, rebacked, edges of binding somewhat worn
First edition, one of 500 copies in the second state, of Gibbon's "masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style" (PMM). The book sold with great rapidity and the first edition of volume 1 was, according to the author, exhausted within a few days. According to David Womersley (writing in the Oxford DNB) Gibbon does not seem to have exaggerated when at the end of his life he recalled that "my book was on every table, and almost on every toilette".
"It is often assumed that the Decline and Fall is a straightforward lament for departed glory, and that the dominant emotional colouring of the work is that of an elegy. But Gibbon was the enemy of empire as a political form, and a friend to the freedom of nations, for 'there is nothing perhaps more adverse to nature and reason than to hold in obedience remote countries and foreign nations, in opposition to their inclination and interest' (Decline and Fall, 3.142). However much Gibbon may have admired the artistic and cultural achievement of Rome, he was no admirer of empire as a political system. This disenchantment with empire influenced Gibbon's assessment of the barbarians who overran the western provinces of the empire in the fifth century. Gibbon's admiration for the barbarians had its limits..." (David Womersley, Oxford DNB)
LITERATURE:
Norton 20, 23-29; Rothschild 942; Grolier English 58; PMM 222
PROVENANCE:
Carberry Tower Library (East Lothian, Scotland), shelf-labels
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Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
Please note: Condition 11 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
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GIBBON, EDWARD
THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. FOR W. STRAHAN AND T. CADELL, 1776--1788
4to, 6 volumes, FIRST EDITIONS, half-titles, errata leaves at the end of first three volumes and on verso of final leaf of volume 6, 3 folding maps bound in volume 2 (one of them normally found in volume 3), second state of volume 1, engraved portrait by Hall after Reynolds at the beginning of volume 2, 12pp. of Contents at the beginning of volume 2, G1 and Ll1 cancels in volume 2 (signed G* and *Ll), H3 and L2 cancels in volume 4 (the latter signed *L2), p.177 in volume 3 correctly numbered, misprint "Honorious" for "Honorius" in line 18 on p.179, contemporary tree calf, some slight spotting and foxing, rebacked, edges of binding somewhat worn
First edition, one of 500 copies in the second state, of Gibbon's "masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style" (PMM). The book sold with great rapidity and the first edition of volume 1 was, according to the author, exhausted within a few days. According to David Womersley (writing in the Oxford DNB) Gibbon does not seem to have exaggerated when at the end of his life he recalled that "my book was on every table, and almost on every toilette".
"It is often assumed that the Decline and Fall is a straightforward lament for departed glory, and that the dominant emotional colouring of the work is that of an elegy. But Gibbon was the enemy of empire as a political form, and a friend to the freedom of nations, for 'there is nothing perhaps more adverse to nature and reason than to hold in obedience remote countries and foreign nations, in opposition to their inclination and interest' (Decline and Fall, 3.142). However much Gibbon may have admired the artistic and cultural achievement of Rome, he was no admirer of empire as a political system. This disenchantment with empire influenced Gibbon's assessment of the barbarians who overran the western provinces of the empire in the fifth century. Gibbon's admiration for the barbarians had its limits..." (David Womersley, Oxford DNB)
LITERATURE:
Norton 20, 23-29; Rothschild 942; Grolier English 58; PMM 222
PROVENANCE:
Carberry Tower Library (East Lothian, Scotland), shelf-labels
To view Shipping Calculator, please click here
Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
Please note: Condition 11 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
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Estimate
Time, Location
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