The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire / Edward Gibbon ; edited and abridged by David Womersley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794.

Contributor:

Womersley, David

Series:

Penguin classics

Standardized Title:

History of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Selections

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Rome--History--Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D.

Rome.

Rome (Empire).

History.

Byzantine Empire--History--To 527.

Byzantine Empire.

Physical Description:

xxxix, 795 pages ; 20 cm.

Edition:

Abridged edition.

Place of Publication:

London : Penguin, [2000]

Summary:

Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire compresses thirteen turbulent centuries into an epic narrative shot through with insight, irony and incisive character analysis.

Famously sceptical about Christianity, unexpectedly sympathetic to the barbarian invaders and the Byzantine Empire, constantly aware of how political leaders often achieve the exact opposite of what they intend, Gibbon was alert to both the broad pattern of events and the significant revealing detail. Attacked for its enlightened views on politics, sexuality and religion, the first volume was none the less soon to be found 'on every table' and was widely acclaimed for the elegance of its prose. Gripping, powerfully intelligent and wonderfully entertaining, it is the greatest work of history in the English language, and ranks as one of the literary masterpieces of its age.

Contents:

General Observations on the Fall of the Roman Empire in the West 434.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages xxxv-xxxvi).

ISBN:

0140437649

OCLC:

43633021