Gibbon JohnABAA
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1890WRCAM56663N.p. 1890. 19pp. plus an additional nine lines of manuscript note on two other slips of paper. Main text written on 9 3/4 x 7 1/2-inch sheets. Approximately 2500 total words. Several sheets with penciled cross-outs but very easily readable overall. Minor edge wear. Near fine. In a half green morocco and white cloth folding case spine gilt leather labels. An exceedingly interesting and important firsthand account of the planning leading up to the massacre at the Little Big Horn in June 1876 written by Gen. John Gibbon who was involved in the planning and operations and was one of Custer's superior officers. Gibbon and his troops were among the first to arrive at the scene of the battle and helped to bury Custer's dead and evacuate the survivors. <br> <br> A major question surrounding the Custer tragedy was whether or not Custer exceeded or ignored his orders in attacking the Sioux before the arrival of Gibbon and his reinforcements. This manuscript recounts the deliberations conducted by Gen. Alfred Terry and his officers including Custer and Gibbon and gives a great deal of information on the decision-making process the plans at which they arrived and the orders under which Custer was to operate. Gibbon wrote about his experiences in the Sioux Campaign in an 1877 article called "Last Summer's Expedition Against the Sioux and Its Great Catastrophe" which also appeared as a chapter in his posthumously published memoir ADVENTURES ON THE WESTERN FRONTIER. The information in the present manuscript is not included in either of those works however and to our knowledge the present manuscript is completely unpublished. <br> <br> Gibbon begins by explaining that on June 21 1876 he and his 7th Infantry troops were camped on the north bank of the Yellowstone River with Custer and his 7th Cavalry camped on the south bank. He relates that the two separate columns had already conferred three times and were about to meet for a fourth conference all under the supervision of commanding Gen. Alfred Terry. Gibbon writes that at the first conference with Terry he offered Terry the services of his trusted scout Mitch Bouyer who eventually died with Custer's men: "I little thought that I was sending poor faithful Mitch to his death." Gibbon also briefly discusses his second conference with Terry before describing a third conference which took place in Gibbon's tent. At that meeting Terry chastised Major Marcus Reno for "following the Indian trail up the Rosebud instead of at once returning & reporting what he had discovered; thus not only losing precious time but running the risk of being discovered by the Indians." <br> <br> Gibbon continues: <br> <br> "Shortly afterwards Custer's command made its appearance on the southern bank & I accompanied Genl. Terry on the ship Far West across the River & Custer found us on board.We sat down at a table & with a map before us discussed the situation. My Crow scouts had reported seeing smoke in the valley of the Little Big Horn and hence it was inferred there must be a camp of Indians somewhere along that stream. The question discussed was how to approach them & strike them to the best advantage.I think Genl. Terry had already made up his mind when the discussion took place to send Custer with a command to follow up the trail discovered by Reno.In the course of the discussion I proposed the question what would the Indians probably do when they were disturbed." <br> <br> Gibbon goes on to discuss the various questions that were posed and impressions that were given at the meeting. Among these was the presumption that the Sioux would attempt to "escape" rather than stand and fight. Gibbon notes that they were ignorant of the "desperate fight" that Crook had waged at the headwaters of the Rosebud just a few days earlier. <br> <br> Very importantly Gibbon writes: <br> <br> "I suggested it would be advisable for Custer to keep on up the Rosebud; instead of following the trail over into the Little Big Horn valley & after crossing over nearer to the mountains approach the supposed Indian camp from the south. This would not only interpose his force between the Indians & their refuge the Big Horn Mountains but would give my command the requisite time to get up as I had the longest distance to pass over. This was agreed to apparently on the part of all.Custer was directed to examine the head of that valley and endeavor to send a messenger down it to communicate to Genl. Terry news of his progress & any information of importance he may have gained. This was regarded as a matter of some considerable moment as it would bring us news of the other columns & might possibly cause a modification of our movement." <br> <br> Gibbon concludes by discussing Custer's failure to follow his orders and why he may have done so: <br> <br> "It is now a matter of history that Genl. Terry received no message from Custer.nor received any message from him of any kind nor ever saw him again. It is also well known that Custer did not follow the line of march marked out for him at the conference. It is difficult to account for Custer's failure to endeavor to communicate with Genl. Terry as desired.except upon the supposition that when in the vicinity of the head of that valley on the day he struck the Indians camp his mind may have been so engrossed by his preparations for the conflict before him as to cause him to overlook it for the time.His reasons for not conforming to the 'desires' of his Dept. Comdr. as expressed in the letter of instructions can never now be known.This is a case which forms no exception to the general rule which prevails in all well disciplined military bodies that the wishes of the commander are always when possible to be construed as orders." <br> <br> John Gibbon 1827-96 was born in the Holmesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia and attended West Point graduating in 1847. During the Mexican-American War he was stationed in Florida helping to keep the peace between American settlers and Seminole Indians and assisting the evacuation of Seminoles to Oklahoma Territory. This experience kindled in him a sympathy for American Indians that would last the rest of his life. Gibbon taught artillery at West Point and produced an influential treatise on the subject. Despite family ties to the Confederacy he fought for the Union during the Civil War and was involved in many important battles including Antietam. At Gettysburg he led forces against Pickett's Charge and was wounded on Cemetery Hill. Later Gibbon helped block the Confederate escape route at the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse and he was one of the three commissioners who received the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. After the Civil War he commanded an infantry unit in Montana Territory and took part in the 1876 campaign against the Sioux. Gibbon's men were among the first to arrive at the scene of the battle of the Little Big Horn and helped to bury Custer's dead and evacuate the survivors. The following year he led a bloody attack on the Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph at the Battle of the Big Hole. Afterward Gibbon and Chief Joseph would become friends. In 1885 Gibbon now a brigadier general took command of the Department of Columbia and placed Seattle under martial law during the anti-Chinese riots of 1886. Aside from his ARTILLERISTS MANUAL of 1859 Gibbon wrote two other books PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE CIVIL WAR and ADVENTURES ON THE WESTERN FRONTIER both published posthumously. <br> <br> An exciting informative and unpublished firsthand account of the planning that preceded the massacre of Custer and his men at the Little Big Horn by one who was intimately involved in the process. hardcover 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
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
1932124744London: Jarrolds Publishers 1932-1934. First editions of each volume of Gibbon's classic trilogy describing the life of Chris Guthrie a woman from the north-east of Scotland during the early 20th century each volume inscribed by him to George Malcolm Thomson. Octavo original cloth 3 volumes. Sunset Song is inscribed on the title page "For G. Malcolm Thomson L. Grassic Gibbon." Cloud Howe is the dedication copy inscribed on the title page "For the 'dedicatee' with kind regards. L. Grassic Gibbon." Grey Granite is inscribed on the title page "For George Malcolm Thomson with good wishes L. Grassic Gibbon." Each are in very good condition. Rare and desirable signed and inscribed. A Scots Quair is revolutionary - innovative in its form deft and humorous in its use of language courageous in its characterization and politics. Central to the trilogy is Chris Guthrie one of the most remarkable female characters in modern literature. In Sunset Song Gibbon's finest achievement the reader follows Chris through her girlhood in a tight-knit Scottish farming community: the seasons the weddings the funerals the grind of work the gossip. As the Great War takes its toll machines replace the old way of life. Cloud Howe and Grey Granite take Chris from her rural homeland to life in an industrial Scotland and the desperate years of the Depression. Gibbon attracted attention from his earliest attempts at fiction notably from H. G. Wells but it was his trilogy entitled A Scots Quair and in particular its first book Sunset Song with which he made his mark. A Scots Quair with its combination of stream-of-consciousness lyrical use of dialect and social realism is considered to be among the defining works of the 20th century Scottish Renaissance. All three parts of the trilogy have been turned into serials by BBC Scotland written by Bill Craig with Vivien Heilbron as Chris. Additionally Sunset Song has been adapted into a film released in 2015. Jarrolds Publishers hardcover books
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
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
1932124744London: Jarrolds Publishers 1932-1934. First editions of each volume of Gibbon's classic trilogy describing the life of Chris Guthrie a woman from the north-east of Scotland during the early 20th century each volume inscribed by him to George Malcolm Thomson. Octavo original cloth 3 volumes. Sunset Song is inscribed on the title page "For G. Malcolm Thomson L. Grassic Gibbon." Cloud Howe is the dedication copy inscribed on the title page "For the 'dedicatee' with kind regards. L. Grassic Gibbon." Grey Granite is inscribed on the title page "For George Malcolm Thomson with good wishes L. Grassic Gibbon." Each are in very good condition. Rare and desirable signed and inscribed. A Scots Quair is revolutionary - innovative in its form deft and humorous in its use of language courageous in its characterization and politics. Central to the trilogy is Chris Guthrie one of the most remarkable female characters in modern literature. In Sunset Song Gibbon's finest achievement the reader follows Chris through her girlhood in a tight-knit Scottish farming community: the seasons the weddings the funerals the grind of work the gossip. As the Great War takes its toll machines replace the old way of life. Cloud Howe and Grey Granite take Chris from her rural homeland to life in an industrial Scotland and the desperate years of the Depression. Gibbon attracted attention from his earliest attempts at fiction notably from H. G. Wells but it was his trilogy entitled A Scots Quair and in particular its first book Sunset Song with which he made his mark. A Scots Quair with its combination of stream-of-consciousness lyrical use of dialect and social realism is considered to be among the defining works of the 20th century Scottish Renaissance. All three parts of the trilogy have been turned into serials by BBC Scotland written by Bill Craig with Vivien Heilbron as Chris. Additionally Sunset Song has been adapted into a film released in 2015. Jarrolds Publishers 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
121808London Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell in the Strand 1776-1788. . First editions vol. I in second state; 6 vols; 4to 29.5 x 23.5 cm; 3 folding-maps vol. I second state with errata corrected in print as far as p.248 and p.xxv of notes thereafter corrected in MS by pen Preface correctly dated 'February 1st 1776' bookplate to front pastedown of vol. I lacking the portrait in vol. II all vols bound without half-titles pencil note to margins of vol. V p.179 occasional spotting; later sprinkle calf rebacked contrasting red and green morocco lettering-pieces to spine hinges reinforced covers slightly rubbed and abraded; iii-viii 16 586 2 lxxxviii 2; 10 640 2; 10 640 2; 2 viii 8 620; 10 684; 12 646 52pp.<br /> First edition one of 1000 copies of Gibbon's 'masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style' PMM.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Illustrated with three folding engraved maps showing the extent of the Roman Empire.<br /> ESTC T78356 T78360 T78362 & T78365; Norton 20 23 & 29; PMM 222; Rothschild 942. London, Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, 1776-1788. unknown
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
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
18041299471804. First Edition. GIBBON Edward. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Philadelphia: William Y. Birch & Abraham Small 1804-05. Eight volumes. Octavo contemporary full brown tree calf gilt burgundy morocco spine labels. $9800.First American edition set of one of the greatest classics of Western thought with three folding engraved maps in a beautiful contemporary binding.""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 equaled to this day; and the result was clothed in an 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 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. The first edition of Gibbon's History was published in England in six volumes from 1776 to 1788. It was of great interest to American readers who were taught Roman history from an early age a common reference point for the educated classes At pivotal moments in history the shadow of ancient Rome has dramatically shaped perceptions of the present. The Founding Fathers of the United States were no exception. They found the history of Rome utterly compelling and for many of the same reasons as people today but amid the fervour of the American Revolution the Founding Fathers drew upon Roman history for the unique task of creating a republic This went further than a superficial interest in ancient Rome. Classical republicanism was at the heart of the Founding. American colonists had relied on translations of the original Roman texts by radical Whigs such as Thomas Gordon Basil Kennet Walter Moyle and Edward Wortley Montagu. Learning from antiquity would help America to avoid the same mistakes that had befallen ancient Rome and now Britain David Cowan. Copies of Plutarch and Livy were brought to the Continental Congress while the Federalist Papers were written under pen-names like Caesar Brutus and Publius and John Adams attributed his world view to Cicero When George Washington deigned not to hold a third term he was compared to the noble dictator Cincinnatus who dropped his sword for a plow Ed Simon. It was natural that the Founding Fathers discovered Gibbon. John Adams began reading the available volumes of Gibbon by the winter of 1787 finishing the first volume by the end of the year and beginning the second in January 1788 it was slow going for him writing if a book does not interest me exceedingly it is a task too me to go through it; and I fear for this reason I shall never get through Gibbon. Indolence indolence I fear will be my ruin. During the same period Jefferson was recommending the book on his various reading lists and James Madison referred to it in his 1787 notes in his Ancient and Modern Confederacies. So it is little wonder that by 1804 demand had grown enough in America that a publisher in Philadelphia printed it in this country for the first time claiming that it would be the most complete Edition of Gibbon extant as it would include Memoirs of My Life and Writing at the end of the last volume. Norton 102. Scattered foxing to text a bit of dampstaining to first few leaves of Volume I and last few leaves of Volume VIII; expertly repaired closed tear to last leaf of Volume III affecting text but not readability; expert paper repairs to G1 and G2 in Volume V affecting side notes but not readability. Folding maps with offsetting and light embrowning as is typical of the era. Beautifully bound. hardcover
2119671London: Printed for A. and W. Strahan; and T. Cadell. 1781-88. Six volumes 4to. Contemporary tree calf all volumes neatly rebacked in the middle of the 20th century with endpapers renewed red morocco lettering-pieces ornamented in gilt; engraved portrait after Reynolds 2 large folding engraved maps and a smaller map all by Thomas Kitchin; a little wear to boards only very occasionally minimal toning or spotting; a very good clean set.First editions of Volumes IV-VI early editions of Volumes I-III.The most celebrated historical work in English literature. ""Gibbon's great erudition breadth of treatment and powerful organization render this a lasting monument of substantial accuracy as well as elegance . most of Gibbon's scholarship remains unchallenged"" Oxford Companion to English Lit. ""This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works"" PMM 222. In 1788 Gibbon's friend Adam Smith wrote 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. By explaining the role Christianity played in ""weakening"" the Roman Empire Gibbon's opus magnum landed on the Papal Index and remained there until the Index librorum prohibitorum was abolished in 1966.Collation: Vol. I without half-title probably not issued and without errata found for other volumes. Provenance: Pictorial bookplates Maria Therese and Stephen Bardos inside front covers. Later sold by Sotheran's small stamps in the margins of front fly-leaves. hardcover
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
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
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
190698478New York: Fred Defau & Company 1906. The Complete Works of Edward Gibbon one of numbered 73 sets this is number 7. Octavo 15 volumes bound in full dark blue levant morocco inlaid red tulips at the corners of boards and center of each spine raised bands gilt titles to the spine brown morocco doublures and watered silk flyleaves binding by MacDonald plates in three states: photogravure colored on India paper and printed on velin. In fine condition. An exceptional set most rare and desirable. "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. Fred Defau & Company hardcover books
190668481A Beautiful Set Limited to 73 Copies GIBBON Edward. The Works of Edward Gibbon. New York: Fred DeFau & Company 1906-1907. The Sheffield Edition one of 73 numbered sets this being number 4. Fifteen octavo volumes 8 1/2 x 5 3/4 inches; 217 x 146 mm. Illustrated with the plates some of which are colored in three states. Comprising: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire The Autobiographies.Printed Verbatim from Hitherto Unpublished Mss. Miscellaneous Works and Private Letters. Beautifully bound by Macdonald in contemporary full dark blue levant morocco. Covers ruled in gilt with gilt red morocco floral onlay corner-pieces. Spines tooled and lettered in gilt with gilt red morocco floral onlays. Brown levant morocco doublures paneled in gilt. Cream watered silk liners. Top edge gilt others uncut. A superb set. 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. HBS 68481. $7500 Fred DeFau & Company unknown books
190698478New York: Fred Defau & Company 1906. The Complete Works of Edward Gibbon one of numbered 73 sets this is number 7. Octavo 15 volumes bound in full dark blue levant morocco inlaid red tulips at the corners of boards and center of each spine raised bands gilt titles to the spine brown morocco doublures and watered silk flyleaves binding by MacDonald plates in three states: photogravure colored on India paper and printed on velin. In fine condition. An exceptional set most rare and desirable. "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. Fred Defau & Company 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
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
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
