Gibbon, EdwardBiblio.com
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1781001414London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell 1781. Six volumes complete 1781-1788 - Volume One pub. 1782 - 3 iv-vii 13 704pp; Volume Two pub. 1781 - 10 640pp 2; Volume Three pub. 1781 - 10 640pp; Volume Four pub. 1788 - 2 i-viii 8 1-620pp; Volume Five pub. 1788 - 10 1-684pp and Volume Six pub. 1788 - 12 1-646pp 52. Contemporary full tree calf later rebacked with original backstrips laid on smooth backs with spines in seven panels title label to second panel volume label to fourth panels one five and seven with central lozenge shaped tool and roundel corner pieces in gilt panels three and six with fleoron roll in gilt Greek key roll to board edges of covers rope roll to board edges. Spine labels chipped partially obscuring one or two corners bumped and worn a few minor bumps and scrapes to covers. Internally generally lightly browned some light foxing and some staining to margins light damp stain to fore edges of text block. The folding map and the first two signatures of volume two are foxed closed tear to foot of N2 catching text but with no loss and signatures 3H and 3I are lightly foxed; in volume three there is a small nick with loss to top margin of a4 and a stain to Nn1 catching text but with no loss of sense; and volume four with light water staining to signature O catching text but with no loss of sense. Lacking half-titles. Portrait frontispiece engraved by Hall after Reynolds and folding map to volume one and two folding maps to volume two. See Norton 26 with the misprint on page 624 which Norton notes probably means that this edition was set up from a copy of the fourth and that volumes two and three called the second edition are really a reissue of the first with cancel titles and half titles Norton page 53. Reprint. Full Calf. Good. 4to. W. Strahan and T. Cadell hardcover
1797008754London: Printed for A. Strahan and T. Caddell Jun. And W. Davies in the Strand 1797. The complete twelve volume set of Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" the "New Edition" published 1797. With engraved frontispiece and folding map of the Parts of Europe & Asia adjacent to Constantinople and large folding map of the Western part of the Roman Empire in volume I; and folding map volume II being the Eastern part of the Roman Empire. Bound in contemporary marbled calf with old rebacking and recent professional restorations to caps and corners now in custom mylar sleeves. Near Fine widely scattered moderate toning throughout a quite handsome and solid set. With excellent historical provenance bearing the armorial bookplates and ownership signatures "Edward Cooper Hodge from T.W. 1830" in each volume. Edward Cooper Hodge General Sir 1810 - 1894 was a British Army officer who as a Lieutenant-Colonel commanded the 4th Royal Irish Regiment of Dragoon Guards in the immortal "Charge of the Heavy Brigade" at the Battle of Balaclava. He was subsequently placed in command of the 5th Dragoon Guards and later rose to the rank of General. Hodge later gifted this set to John Parr Welsford a British banker and merchant. A heavy and oversize set that will require additional shipping charges for priority and international mail orders - please inquire. New Edition. Marbled Calf. Near Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Printed for A. Strahan and T. Caddell, Jun. And W. Davies, in the Strand Hardcover books
178254807London: Printed for W. or A. Strahan and T. Cadell 1782. First edition in part. Hardcover. Very good. Six volumes large quarto 28.3 by 22 cm published between 1782 and 1788. Engraved frontispiece portrait 3 engraved maps 2 large folding; 1 full-page; general index and errata; printed marginalia. Full contemporary diced calf expertly rebacked to style; light rubbing/wear at extremities; covers ruled in gilt; spine with raised bands ruled and lettered in gilt; marbled edges and endleaves; gilt turn-ins. Text lightly toned throughout with occasional smudges and light foxing largely confined to top margin; tear at leaf Aa2 vol. 1 extending into text expertly repaired; very occasional light pencil underlinings and annotations at margins else a very good amply-margined set with fine maps.<br /> <br /> Mixed set comprising three volumes of "A New Edition" vols. 1-3 and three volumes of the first edition vols. 4-6. First conceived by Edward Gibbon 1737-1794 amidst the ruins of Rome on 15 October 1764 the first edition of the work was issued serially the first volume appearing in 1776 the final three in 1788. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works. a comprehensive picture of the whole Mediterranean world from the death of Marcus Aurelius A.D. 180 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. To this task Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in an inimitable prose. It was his good fortune as Lytton Strachey observed that 'the material with which he had to cope was still just not too voluminous to be digested by a single extremely competent mind. In the following century even a Gibbon would have collapsed under the accumulated mass of knowledge at his disposal'" PMM.<br /> <br /> The Decline and Fall was a notable publishing success; the print run of the first volume was expanded by William Strahan from 500 to 1000 copies and sold out in less than two weeks. Among the more progressive-minded savants in the literary and academic world it was well received: "From the chorus of praise the admiration of Adam Ferguson Joseph Warton and Horace Walpole must have been deeply gratifying. It was however David Hume's letter of congratulation which according to Gibbon 'overpaid the labour of ten years.'" ODNB. But Hume's praise was laced with warning. He believed that despite Gibbon's "very prudent temperament" in discussing the origins and early history of Christianity in the 15th and 16th chapters of the first volume "it was impossible to treat the subject so as not to give grounds of suspicion against you and you may expect that a clamour will arise" quoted in ODNB. These chapters did indeed arouse heated condemnation from Christians of all denominations and Gibbon made extensive revisions to them in the three subsequent editions of the first volume and in the New Edition which appears in the present set.<br /> <br /> The engraved frontispiece after Sir Joshua Reynold's acclaimed portrait originally appeared in the first edition of the second volume. All three maps are dated 1781. References: Carter and Muir Printing and the Mind of Man 222; ESTC T78359 vol. 1 - N36543 vols. 2-3 - T78365 vols. 4-6; J. Norton A Bibliography of the Works of Edward Gibbon pp. 26 27 29; D. Womersley "Edward Gibbon" in: ODNB.<br /> <br /> Vol. 1 1782 - A New Edition: vii title and preface 13: advertisement and contents 704 pp; engraved frontispiece portrait. With original preface Bentinck-Street Feb 1 1776; postscript March 1 1781; new preface March 1 1782. <br /> <br /> Vol. 2 1787 - A New Edition: 10: title and contents 640 pp; full-page map " A Map of the Parts of Europe and Asia Adjacent to Constantinople" full-page; "A Map of the Eastern Part of the Roman Empire" large folding<br /> <br /> Vol. 3 1787 - A New Edition: 10: title and contents 640 pp; "A Map of the Western Part of the Roman Empire large folding.<br /> <br /> Vol. 4 1788: 2: title viii preface 8: contents 620 pp. <br /> <br /> Vol. 5 1788: 10: title and contents 684 pp.<br /> <br /> Vol. 6 1788: 12: title and contents 646 52: general index and errata pp. Printed for W. (or A.) Strahan and T. Cadell hardcover
179776088London:: A. Strahan; T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies 1797. The fifth octavo edition. old full calf; gilt paneled and decorated spines; red and green gilt-lettered spine labels; and the gilt initials of the distinguished original owner at the base of the spines. This set was partially exposed to water at the rear of the bookcase in which they were housed since publication. Eleven of the volumes exhibit faint dampstaining predominately at the fore-edge. One of the 24 gilt-lettered spine labels is absent and beneath that is a coin-sized chip to the spine. There is a small chip and the beginning of a split to the front joint of Vol. V. Vol. IV sustained more damage: the paper swelled and split three quarters of the rear joint. The paper has returned to its original shape but a gap of 1-8 to 1-4" remains at the rear joint. Even this volume remains tight and sound. . 8vo. Engraved frontispiece portrait; three folding maps. Norton 39. A. Strahan; T. Cadell, Jun. and W. Davies, unknown
17771008Y16London: Printed for A. Strahan 1777-1788. Leather. Very Good. 11.5" by 9". Not Stated . A pleasing quarto set of Edward Gibbon's 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' including three first editions. Edward Gibbon's sweeping history on the rise rule and fall of the Roman Empire covering from the year 98 to 1590. Its enduring popularity has resulted in his Enlightenment-era perspective still being the dominant narrative about the Roman Empire to the present day.Comprising the first editions of Volume IV V and VI the third edition of Volume I the second edition of Volume II and an unknown edition of Volume III due to lack of title page. Complete in six volumes.Uniformly bound in a later half crushed morocco with marbled paper covered boards and morocco spine labels. Renewed endpapers. Complete with the three folding maps two to Volume II and and one to Volume III. Frontispiece portrait of Gibbon to Volume II. Half titles bound to all except for Volume I and Volume III. Lacking original blanks to Volume I and II.The six volumes cover from 98 to 1590 the peak of the Roman Empire the history of early Christianity and its emergence as the Roman state religion the fall of the Western Roman Empire the rise of Genghis Khan and Tamerlane and the fall of Byzantium as well as discussions on the ruins of Ancient Rome.Volume I 1777 Volume II 1781 - With final errata leaf. Volume III - Lacking title page thus undated and lacking original blanks. With errata leaf for Vol III and table of contents for Vol I. Volume IV 1788 Volume V 1788 Volume VI 1788 - With index. Errata for Vol IV-VI printed to verso of final Index leaf. Uniformly bound in a later half crushed morocco with marbled paper covered boards and morocco spine labels. With the odd ink mark to the boards. Fading to the spine labels. Pages are generally bright and clean with light occasional spotting to majority of volumes. More consistent scattered spotting throughout Volume III with a couple tide marks to the first few contents pages. Tape marks to Volume I title page. Very Good Printed for A. Strahan hardcover
1782597L2London: W Strahan; T Cadell 1782-1788. First edition. Leather. Good. 11" by 9". None. Very early and part first editions of Edward Gibbon's seminal work on the Roman Empire. Illustrated with a frontispiece and three engraved maps. Volume I is dated 1782 Volume II is dated 1781 Volume III is dated 1781 Volume IV V and VI are dated 1788 Volume I is a 'New Edition' volumes II and III are the 'Second Edition' with volumes IV-VI being first editions. With the bookplate of Thomas Baring as well as the bookplate for Netley Castle to all volumes at the pastedowns. These books were likely to have been owned by Sir Thomas Baring 2nd Baronet. Baring was a British banker and Member of Parliament. He was an MP of High Wycombe and Hampshire until 1831. He also resided in Hampshire until his death. Netley Castle is a former artillery fort in the Hampshire village of Netley. Volumes II IV and V are rebacked with the original spine relaid and boards preserved. Two maps to volume II one folding. Errata to the rear of volume II and III. Errata to the rear of volume VI for volumes IV V and VI. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire traces the trajectory of Western civilisation from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium and therefore spans a nearly 1500 year period from 98 to 1590 of the Roman Empire. Therefore Gibbon discusses the history of early Christianity the Roman State Church as well as the history of Europe. The popularity of this work rests on Gibbon's objectivity and heavy use of primary sources. In the eighteenth century the use of primary sources for historical was very rare which was why his work was extremely popular. His methodology also became a model for later historians. Edward Gibbon wrote many historical works but is best known for this title. This is due to its quality the use of primary sources as well as the open criticism of organised religions. The work earned him a reputation as the first modern historian of Ancient Rome. A nice set of scarce early editions of these works. Collated complete. In full calf bindings. Externally rubbed in places. Volumes II IV and V are rebacked with the original spine laid down and original boards preserved. Rubbing to the spine boards and joints. Spotting to the boards of volume II. Several score marks and patched of rubbing to the boards. Small damp stained patch to the front board of volume I. Split to the tail of rear joint to volume I resulting in the joint starting but firm. Both hinges to volume I are starting but firm. Rear hinge to volume III is tender and may fail with further handling. Small crack to the tail of front joint to volume III. Front hinge to volume IV has been reinforced. Both hinges to volume V have been reinforced. Front joint to volume VI is starting but firm with the hinge tender after the front endpaper. Rear board is detached but present to volume VI. Tail of backstrip to volume I is lifting at the front hinge due to a tear. Backstrip to volume VI is lifting at the rear Loss to the head and tail of spine to volume I. Loss to the tail of spine to volume III as well as to the volume number. Loss to the head and tail of spine to volume VI. Minor bumping to the extremities. Internally firmly bound. Pages generally bright and clean volume I. Scattered spotting to volume II. Offsetting to the B leaf of volume II from the plate 'A Map of the parts of Europe and Asia adjacent to Constantinople'. Occasional scattered spots to the pages heavier to the first and last few pages. Good W Strahan; T Cadell hardcover
17817317<p>Professionally rebound in half calf over marbled boards with debossed rule to boards; 6 raised bands gilt particulars debossed decoration and burgundy morocco label to spines. Volumes 1-3 are from 1781 and volumes 4-6 are from 1788. <strong>Vol 1</strong> Fourth edition; <strong>Vol. 2</strong> Second edition;<strong> Vol. 3</strong> Second edition; <strong>Vol. 4-6 </strong>edition not stated. No previous owners' names or other markings. Each: 9 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches. <br /><em>Pagination</em>: <br /><strong>Vol. 1</strong>; 3 end leaves modern earlier re-binding original; engraved portrait frontis by Hall after Reynolds full title page preface dated Feb 1 1776 with postscript dated March 1 1781 advertisement 5 leaves; engraved folding map "Eastern part of the Roman Empire" by Tho. Kitchin Senr dated Jan 1 1781; 1-704; 3 end leaves as above; <em>no errata<br /></em><strong>Vol 2</strong>; 3 end leaves modern earlier re-binding original; half title full title contents 6 leaves; engraved folding map "Western Part of the Roman Empire" small tear at left fold line by Tho. Kitchin Senr dated Jan 1 1781; single-fold map "Parts of Europe of Asia adjacent to Constantinople" dated and engraved same annotated to place front p. 22; 1-640; errata; 3 end leaves as above; cancelled G1 and Ll1<br /><strong>Vol 3</strong>; 3 end leaves modern earlier re-binding original; half title full title contents 6 leaves; 1-640; errata; 3 end leaves as above; <em>no map<br /></em><strong>Vol 4</strong>; 3 end leaves modern earlier re-binding original; half title full title author's preface dated May 1 1788 and post script 6 leaves and contents 4 leaves; 1-620; 3 end leaves as above<br /><strong>Vol 5</strong>; 3 end leaves modern earlier re-binding original; half title full title contents 6 leaves; 1-684; 3 end leaves as above<br /><strong>Vol 6</strong>; 3 end leaves modern earlier re-binding original; full title contents 6 leaves; 1-646; General Index 26 leaves the back of the 26th 4Uv being errata to volumes 4-6.</p> Printed for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, in the Strand hardcover
1776550 - 749 - 745<p><strong>Publisher and Year</strong>: London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell 1776 Vol. 1 1781 Vols. 2-3 1788 Vols. 4-6</p><p><strong>Edition</strong>: First editions of all volumes except for the first volume which is a second edition June 1776 released within months of the first February 1776. The first volume went through three editions before the second volume was released. Norton 1940</p><p><strong>Condition and Description</strong>: Large quarto bound in late-19th or early 20th-century calf gilt and blind rolls to the boards six spine compartments stamped with gilt floral ornaments dark red morocco spine labels edges dyed yellow marbled endpapers. All volumes retain the half-title leaves Vol. 1 contains the frontispiece engraving and all three maps are present two in Vol. 2 and one in Vol. 3 as called for. Secure hinges and binding. Rubbing scuffs handling marks and some areas of discoloration to the boards and labels. Upper-left corner of the rear board of Vol. 1 has a patch of loss to the upper layer of the leather. Some tips bumped and exposed. Frontispiece portrait of Vol. 1 with moderate foxing to the verso; that portrait has also offset onto the title leaf as usual. Contents largely clean across volumes with occasional instances of minor or moderate foxing. Unobtrusive bookseller ticket of Henry Sotheran to the verso of each front free endpaper near the gutter. Old bookseller note in pencil to the verso of the rear free endpaper of Vol. 1 recording the edition status of the volumes and the price at the time of £65 given the price this would have been written many decades ago. A similar note in pencil appears at the end of Vol. 2. The bookbinder also records a few small notes in pencil a common practice to ensure correct binding sequences. Though easily erasable we believe the pencil notes are worth keeping as part of the set's history. Overall a handsome set with excellent shelf presence. - <em>The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire</em> is widely regarded as a landmark in the development of modern historical writing because it combined a large-scale narrative with systematic evaluation of historical evidence. The work draws extensively on ancient primary sources and documents them in detailed footnotes comparing accounts and judging their reliability rather than simply repeating earlier historians. Gibbon explained the transformation and collapse of the Roman world through multiple interacting causes including political instability military pressures institutional change and the growing role of Christianity an argument that provoked intense debate and controversy. The narrative traces the Roman Empire from the height of its power through the history of Byzantium to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 helping to frame the Roman and medieval worlds as part of a continuous historical process. Because of its critical use of primary sources analytical explanations and sweeping chronological scope the book became one of the most influential historical works of the eighteenth century and a model for later historians.</p><p>Inventory ID: 550 - 749 - 745</p> W. Strahan and T. Cadell hardcover
1788160730004London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell 1788. First Edition. Very Good. Complete in six volumes. All First Editions except volume 1 which is a Second Edition. Large quarto. Full contemporary mid-brown calf with early 20th century rebacks vol. 1 fully renewed at the same time and replaced endpapers raised bands red lettering piece and black numbering piece. Tips worn and exposed boards edge-worn. Sporadic light foxing throughout. A handful of small closed tears and marginal stains. Vol. 1 has some offsetting from engraved frontispiece portrait to title page as well as heavy foxing to both; first page of preface torn and missing about half; small wax stain on pages 471-4. Vol. 2: both maps present with small marginal tears but no loss. Vol. 3: binder mistakenly placed duplicate of map "The western Part of the Roman Empire" in previous volume rather than "The eastern Part." map. An attractive set of Gibbons' magnificent history. W. Strahan and T. Cadell unknown books
1788160730004London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell 1788. First Edition. Very Good. Complete in six volumes. All First Editions except volume 1 which is a Second Edition. Large quarto. Full contemporary mid-brown calf with early 20th century rebacks vol. 1 fully renewed at the same time and replaced endpapers raised bands red lettering piece and black numbering piece. Tips worn and exposed boards edge-worn. Sporadic light foxing throughout. A handful of small closed tears and marginal stains. Vol. 1 has some offsetting from engraved frontispiece portrait to title page as well as heavy foxing to both; first page of preface torn and missing about half; small wax stain on pages 471-4. Vol. 2: both maps present with small marginal tears but no loss. Vol. 3: binder mistakenly placed duplicate of map "The western Part of the Roman Empire" in previous volume rather than "The eastern Part." map. An attractive set of Gibbons' magnificent history. W. Strahan and T. Cadell unknown
1782140394London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell in the Strand 1782-1788. Rare early editions of the historian's masterpiece. Quarto 6 volumes bound in full paper boards 3 folding engraved maps. The frontispiece portrait of Gibbon is after Sir Joshua Reynolds the three engraved folding maps are of the Western and Eastern Roman Empire and a folding map of Constantinople this map is in its original folded issue instead of the more common method of having the plate trimmed to the margin and inserted; it is more rare in this folded state. In near fine condition. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in inimitable prose" PMM 222. "For 22 years Gibbon was a prodigy of steady and arduous application. His investigations extended over almost the whole range of intellectual activity for nearly 1500 years. And so thorough were his methods that the laborious investigations of German scholarship the keen criticisms of theological zeal and the steady researches of two centuries have brought to light very few important errors in the results of his labors. But it is not merely the learning of his work learned as it is that gives it character as a history. It is also that ingenious skill by which the vast erudition the boundless range the infinite variety and the gorgeous magnificence of the details are all wrought together in a symmetrical whole. It is still entitled to be esteemed as the greatest historical work ever written" Adams Manual of Historical Literature 146-7. Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, in the Strand hardcover
1788176083London: printed for A. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1788-89. In superlative condition First editions of Volumes IV to VI final quarto editions of Volumes I to III: a superb set of Gibbon's magisterial history in the original boards entirely unopened and in an exceptionally fresh state of preservation without repair. The publishers issued the 1789 "new edition" of the first three volumes with first edition copies of the final three as a uniform complete set. The first three were originally published from 1776 to 1781 and reprinted a few times in the same quarto format; this "new edition" is the final in quarto. The latter three volumes published in 1788 are the first and only editions in quarto. Subsequent editions were published in the smaller and cheaper octavo format. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works which. maintain their hold upon the layman and continue to stimulate the scholar although they have been superseded in many if not most details by subsequent advances of research and changes in the climate of opinion. Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in an inimitable prose" PMM. 6 vols quarto. Engraved portrait frontispiece by Hall after Joshua Reynolds in vol. I; folding map in vols I & II single-sheet map in vol. III. Uncut in original boards contemporary manuscript lettering to spines. Trivial spots of wear and tiny splits at joint ends sporadic very light foxing but effectively a fine set. Norton 28 & 29; Printing and the Mind of Man 222 first edition. hardcover
177721436London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1777-78 1777. Book. Very Good Plus. Full Leather. First Edition. Quarto. Six volumes: all First Editions except volume I the Third Edition. Large quarto. Pp. vi 14 704; 12 640 2 errata leaf; 12 640 2 errata leaf; 4 viii 8 620; 12 684; 14 646 51 index 1 errata. Engraved frontis portrait of Gibbon by John Hall after Joshua Reynolds 3 folding maps. With half-titles in all volumes except volume I and all errata leaves. Contemporary polished calf recently rebacked with gilt rules between raised bands and original lettering pieces laid down. Minor scratches to covers corners and edges moderately worn very occasional toning and spotting to leaves early signature on margin of title of volume I later bookplates in all volumes. Overall an excellent set clean and crisp internally in suitably restored bindings. This set is comprised of First Editions of all volumes except for the first volume which is from the Third Edition. Gibbon's masterful history of the Roman Empire was issued in six quarto volumes over the course of twelve years between 1776 and 1788. Modest expectations on the part of both author and publisher regarding the market for such an imposing work resulted in an initial printing of only 1000 copies of the original printing. This proved a serious miscalculation of the demand and subsequently made complete sets of the first edition difficult to come by. Within a fortnight the first edition was completely sold out. "I am at a loss" wrote Gibbon in his Memoirs "how to describe the success of the work without betraying the vanity of the writer. The first impression was exhausted within a few days; a second and third edition were scarcely adequate to the demand and the bookseller's property was twice invaded by the pyrates of Dublin. My book was on every table and almost every toilette; the historian was crowned by the taste or fashion of the day." Gibbon Miscellaneous Works and Memoirs. 2nd ed. London 1814 Vol. I. p. 223. The third edition appeared in 1777 a year after the first and second printings. Issued in an edition of 1000 copies it was more fully revised and corrected than the second which merely incorporated the errata. At the suggestion of Gibbon's friend David Hume the copious notes which previously had been gathered in the rear of the volume were now transferred to the bottom of the page. This improved format was continued throughout the remaining volumes. In combining the third edition of the first volume with the first edition of the remainder as in the present case a uniformly annotated set is thereby achieved. In 1780 the frontis portrait of Gibbon engraved by John Hall after a painting of Joshua Reynolds was issued by the publisher. With the publication of the second and third volumes in 1781 an enlarged table of contents was made available for the first volume as well as 3 folding maps all present in this copy. The map of Constantinople was frequently cropped to make it the same size as the printed page and then bound in sideways. Fewer copies exist among them the present where the wide margins were retained and the map bound in folded and the right way up. Norton J. E. A Bibliography of the Works of Ed. Gibbon. Oxford 1940. Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1777-78 Hardcover
1776145050London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell In The Strand 1776-1788. First edition first state of Gibbon's "masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style" PMM. Quarto six volumes bound in modern half calf over marbled boards by Bayntun-Riviere with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands all edges speckled red engraved frontispiece portrait of Gibbon by John Hall after Sir Joshua Reynolds in Vol. II three engraved folding maps half-titles in vols. I-III and V all 4 errata leaves lacking half-titles in vols. IV and VI vol. I with half-title. Strahan predicted the popularity of Gibbon's History and doubled the print run from 500 to 1000 copies during the publication process entailing the resetting of some sheets. Vol. I is in the first state with the cancellans leaves as described by Rothschild and the errata uncorrected. The gatherings a b and the author portrait are bound in the second volume. Grolier English 58; PMM 222; Rothschild 942. L4 restored at gutter with small loss to the text light dampstaining to the frontispiece portrait contemporary ownership inscription to the first title trimmed by the binder. In near fine condition. A very nice example. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in inimitable prose" PMM 222. "For 22 years Gibbon was a prodigy of steady and arduous application. His investigations extended over almost the whole range of intellectual activity for nearly 1500 years. And so thorough were his methods that the laborious investigations of German scholarship the keen criticisms of theological zeal and the steady researches of two centuries have brought to light very few important errors in the results of his labors. But it is not merely the learning of his work learned as it is that gives it character as a history. It is also that ingenious skill by which the vast erudition the boundless range the infinite variety and the gorgeous magnificence of the details are all wrought together in a symmetrical whole. It is still entitled to be esteemed as the greatest historical work ever written" Adams Manual of Historical Literature 146-7. Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, In The Strand hardcover
177668352ìMasterpiece of Historical Penetration and Literary Styleî GIBBON Edward. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: Printed for A. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1776-1788. First edition. Six volumes quarto 10 3/4 x 8 1/2 inches; 270 x 220 mm. Engraved portrait of Gibbon by Hall after Reynolds not usually found bound in volume II. With three engraved folding maps bound in volume II one of them normally found in volume III. With all the half titles and the errata leaves in Volumes I II III and VI Volume VI errata covers volumes IV V and VI. With twelve pages of Contents for Volume I at the beginning of Volume II. Volume I has more than half of the errata uncorrected which would make it an intermediate state. According to Sterling " Vol. I only was published in 1776. It was originally planned to print 500 copies of this first edition but after 26 sheets were completed it was decided to increase the number to 1000. The type of the earlier sheets had by that time been distributed so when they were set up again the opportunity was taken to correct the numerous errata and to print the text of the cancel leaves which for some unknown reason had been substituted for the original leaves. Vols. II and III were were published together in 1781." In Volume III p. 177 is correctly numbered and ìHonoriousî is left uncorrected on p. 179 line 18. G1 and Ll1 cancels in volume 2 signed G and Ll H3 and L2 cancels in volume 4 the latter signed L2. The engraved portrait of Gibbon was issued separately in 1780. Contemporary tree calf all volumes attractively and uniformly rebacked. Gilt spines with gilt tool in compartments morocco spine labels lettered in gilt and small morocco lozenge with volume numbers. All edges yellow. Extremities slightly rubbed. Some light intermittent foxing but generally very clean. Small bookplate on front pastedown of each volume. With a repaired closed tear to the last leaf of volume II. Overall a very good set. A ìmasterpiece of historical penetration and literary styleî GibbonÃs Decline and Fall brought to the subject a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equaled to this day. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works which like the writings of Macaulay and Mommsen maintain their hold upon the layman and continue to stimulate the scholar although they have been superseded in many if not most details by subsequent advance of research and changes in the climate of opinion. Whereas other eighteenth-century writers in this field such as Voltaire are still quoted with respect the Decline and Fall is the only historical narrative prior to Macaulay which continues to be reprinted and actually read" Printing and the Mind of Man. Although superseded in many respects by two centuries of continuous research this great work is still read both for pleasure and for profit and has achieved an eminence denied most historical compilations of its kind. Grolier 100 English 58. Norton 20 23 and 29. Printing and the Mind of Man 222. Rothschild 942-944. Sterling 382. HBS 68352. $26500 Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell unknown books
177668352London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1776. London: Printed for A. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1776-1788.<br> <br> First edition. Six volumes quarto 10 3/4 x 8 1/2 inches; 270 x 220 mm. Engraved portrait of Gibbon by Hall after Reynolds not usually found bound in volume II. With three engraved folding maps bound in volume II one of them normally found in volume III. With all the half titles and the errata leaves in Volumes I II III and VI Volume VI errata covers volumes IV V and VI. With twelve pages of Contents for Volume I at the beginning of Volume II.<br> <br> Volume I has more than half of the errata uncorrected which would make it an intermediate state. According to Sterling " Vol. I only was published in 1776. It was originally planned to print 500 copies of this first edition but after 26 sheets were completed it was decided to increase the number to 1000. The type of the earlier sheets had by that time been distributed so when they were set up again the opportunity was taken to correct the numerous errata and to print the text of the cancel leaves which for some unknown reason had been substituted for the original leaves. Vols. II and III were were published together in 1781." In Volume III p. 177 is correctly numbered and "Honorious" is left uncorrected on p. 179 line 18. G1 and Ll1 cancels in volume 2 signed G and Ll H3 and L2 cancels in volume 4 the latter signed L2. The engraved portrait of Gibbon was issued separately in 1780.<br> <br> Contemporary tree calf all volumes attractively and uniformly rebacked. Gilt spines with gilt tool in compartments morocco spine labels lettered in gilt and small morocco lozenge with volume numbers. All edges yellow. Extremities slightly rubbed. Some light intermittent foxing but generally very clean. Small bookplate on front pastedown of each volume. With a repaired closed tear to the last leaf of volume II. Overall a very good set.<br> <br> A "masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style" Gibbon's Decline and Fall brought to the subject a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equaled to this day. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works which like the writings of Macaulay and Mommsen maintain their hold upon the layman and continue to stimulate the scholar although they have been superseded in many if not most details by subsequent advance of research and changes in the climate of opinion. Whereas other eighteenth-century writers in this field such as Voltaire are still quoted with respect the Decline and Fall is the only historical narrative prior to Macaulay which continues to be reprinted and actually read" Printing and the Mind of Man. Although superseded in many respects by two centuries of continuous research this great work is still read both for pleasure and for profit and has achieved an eminence denied most historical compilations of its kind.<br> <br> Grolier 100 English 58. Norton 20 23 and 29. Printing and the Mind of Man 222. Rothschild 942-944. Sterling 382.<br> <br> HBS 68352.<br> <br> $26500. Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell unknown
1776144594London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1776-1788. Rare complete first edition set including the rare first state of volume one of Gibbon's landmark work of historiography. Quarto 6 volumes bound in full contemporary mottled calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands gilt turn-ins three engraved folding maps by Kitchin of the Western and Eastern Roman Empire and of Constantinople. First edition first issue of vol. 1 with errata uncorrected one of 500 copies half-titles that in vol. 1 a tipped-in later facsimile 3 folding engraved maps engraved portrait frontispiece after Reynolds and vol. 1 a4-b2 Contents bound in vol. 2 vol. 1 with later engraved portrait laid down as frontispiece with all cancels and errata as called for engraved bookplate later ink ownership name S. de Giles to rear pastedowns. While the first volume was on the press Strahan decided to increase the print run from 500 to 1000 copies; the second 500 or so copies constituting the second state have the errata corrected through p.183 here uncorrected. In very good condition with highly skilful repairs to spine ends and joints. A rare and very handsome complete first edition set of Gibbon’s masterpiece. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in inimitable prose" PMM 222. "For 22 years Gibbon was a prodigy of steady and arduous application. His investigations extended over almost the whole range of intellectual activity for nearly 1500 years. And so thorough were his methods that the laborious investigations of German scholarship the keen criticisms of theological zeal and the steady researches of two centuries have brought to light very few important errors in the results of his labors. But it is not merely the learning of his work learned as it is that gives it character as a history. It is also that ingenious skill by which the vast erudition the boundless range the infinite variety and the gorgeous magnificence of the details are all wrought together in a symmetrical whole. It is still entitled to be esteemed as the greatest historical work ever written" Adams Manual of Historical Literature 146-7. Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell hardcover
17883391London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell in the Strand 1788. First edition. Near Fine. Mixed state combining aspects of Norton's variants a and b in Volume I. 6 volumes quarto 270 x 220 mm. Contemporary calf rebacked to style red morocco spine labels raised bands compartments elaborately stamped in gilt. Volume I with marginal stains affecting the running title to pages 87-88 and stains to the lower corners of 189-193 affecting no text; foxing to pages 42-61 and 392-402 of Volume II; Volume III with dampstains to headers of Contents not affecting text foxing to pages 16-25 and 1.5 inch tear to inner margin of folding map. Collating complete with engraved portrait frontispiece by Hall after Joshua Reynolds dated 1 February 1780 issued with the first edition of Volume II but bound in Volume I as usual; two engraved folding maps to Volume II and folding map to Volume III. All half titles and errata leaves present. Volume I in mixed state uncorrected up to page 183 with X4 signed and cancelled but a4 and b2 not cancels but signed; no cancels to Volume II; Volume III with page 177 correctly numbered and the misspelling to "Honorious" on page 179; Volume IV with no cancels.<br/><br/>"This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works which.maintain their hold on the layman and continue to stimulate the scholar.Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day" PMM. Scholars continue to discuss how Gibbon participates in eighteenth century trends of genre blurring and bending using paradigms of the romance novel alongside emerging modern scholarship to create a fascinating and readable history. Others note how "Gibbon's work occupies a peculiar position in the political and economic climate of the late eighteenth century because of its subject matter. The majority of the political structures considered in the Decline and Fall are absolutist monarchies dominated by the figure of the sacred king" -- a major contrast to the rise of democracies and the calls for economic mobility being made across Europe and the U.S. Cosgrove. An epic history in an incredibly addictive form the present is a beautiful clean and complete example.<br/><br/>PMM 222. Near Fine. W. Strahan and T. Cadell in the Strand unknown books
1776129094London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1776-1788. Rare full first edition set first state of volume one of Gibbon's landmark work of historiography with three engraved folding maps by Kitchin of the Western and Eastern Roman Empire and of Constantinople and frontispiece portrait of Gibbon. Quarto 6 volumes bound in three quarter calf over marbled boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine. Vol. I: undated engraved portrait frontispiece by Hall after Joshua Reynolds 12pp. contents x4 and a4 are cancels errata leaf; Vol. II: full-sheet folding map of the Eastern Roman Empire by Thomas Kitchin dated 1 January 1781 bound before p.1 half-sheet map of Constantinople and environs by Thomas Kitchin dated 1 January 1781 bound before p.22. G1 and Ll1 are cancels errata leaf; Vol. III: full-sheet folding map of the Western Roman Empire by Thomas Kitchin dated 1 January 1781 before p.1 p.177 correctly numbered p.179 line 18 reading "Honorious" errata leaf; Vol. IV: H3 and L2 are cancels; Vol. VI: errata for volumes IV-VI on 4Uv. First edition first state of Vol. I with cancels x4 and a4 so signed and with the balance of the errata uncorrected. While the first volume was on the press Strahan decided to increase the print run from 500 to 1000 copies; the second 500 or so copies constituting the second state have the errata corrected through p.183 here uncorrected. The portrait frontispiece and 12pp. of contents issued with volume II are bound in to volume I. From the library of Steve and Peggy Fossett with their estate bookplate to each pastedown. James Stephen “Steve†Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-story high balloon Spirit of Freedom. He completed the 2002 trip in 13 days 8 hours and 33 minutes and set records for both the Longest Distance Flown Solo in a Balloon and Fastest Balloon Flight Around the World. Fossett was also one of sailing’s most prolific distance record holders set the Absolute World Speed Record for airships with a Zeppelin NT in 2004. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career including aviation’s highest award the Gold Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale FAI which he was awarded in 2002. Fossett disappeared on September 3 2007 while flying a light aircraft over the Great Basin Desert between Nevada and California. A rare and desirable full first edition set of Gibbon's masterpiece with noted provenance. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in inimitable prose" PMM 222. "For 22 years Gibbon was a prodigy of steady and arduous application. His investigations extended over almost the whole range of intellectual activity for nearly 1500 years. And so thorough were his methods that the laborious investigations of German scholarship the keen criticisms of theological zeal and the steady researches of two centuries have brought to light very few important errors in the results of his labors. But it is not merely the learning of his work learned as it is that gives it character as a history. It is also that ingenious skill by which the vast erudition the boundless range the infinite variety and the gorgeous magnificence of the details are all wrought together in a symmetrical whole. It is still entitled to be esteemed as the greatest historical work ever written" Adams Manual of Historical Literature 146-7. Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell hardcover
