Edward Gibbon's six-volume History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776-88) is among the most magnificent and ambitious narratives in European literature. Its subject is the fate of one of the world's greatest civilizations over thirteen centuries - its rulers, wars and society, and the events that led to its disastrous collapse. Here, in volumes three and four, Gibbon vividly recounts the waves of barbarian invaders under commanders such as Alaric and Attila, who overran and eventually destroyed the West. He then turns his gaze to events in the East, where even the achievements of the Byzantine emperor Justinian and the campaigns of the brilliant military leader Belisarius could not conceal the fundamental weaknesses of their empire.
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Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), English historian. It was on a visit to Rome that he conceived the idea of his magnificent and panoramic history The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (6 vol., 1776-88) which won immediate acclaim, despite some harsh criticism. Gibbon himself was assured of the greatness of his work, which is, indeed, one of the most-read historical works of modern times.
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25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The classic history of Western civilization,
By A Customer
This review is from: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. 2 (Mass Market Paperback)
Gibbon's work is simply the best history of any period ever written in the English language. His prose is fluid and musical, his research into the authentic source materials exhaustive and complete, and his mastery of the elements of structure and pace make his exposition eminently lucid. In short, his history combines all the elements required of historical prose: it is precise, accurate, and readable. And in addition to all this, Gibbon has given us a history of one of the most important, but least well understood periods of transition in Western civilization: bridging the gap from the end of classical antiquity to the beginning of the Renaissance. I highly recommend this masterpiece to anyone interested in the history of Europe. Whether you are an expert or a novice you will find this work both greatly entertaining and informative. A must have in any serious library!
5 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It is good as far as I have read.,
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This review is from: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. 2 (Mass Market Paperback)
The book is huge and It will take me a long time to finish. But I think it will be worth it. This is my review for all two books.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Vols One and two. They are very well written and interesting despite the fact that they were written many, many years ago.
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The fame of Gradan, before he had accomplished the twentieth year of his age, was equal to that of the most celebrated princes. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
prætorian præfect, loyal acclamations, declining monarchy, secret historian, various multitude, scanty sustenance, archiepiscopal throne, capacious harbour, green faction, civil jurisprudence, perpetual edict, intestine discord, royal convert, honourable rank, royal village Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Gregory of Tours, Esprit des Loix, Theodosian Code, John Malala, Paul Warnefrid, Abbé Dubos, Gregory Nazianzen, Rebus Geticis, Sidonius Apollinaris, Paschal Chronicle, Dion Cassius, George of Pisidia, Victor Vitensis, Asia Minor, Christianisme des Indes, Son of God, Sulpicius Severus, Aulus Gellius, Gesta Francorum, Holy Ghost, Roma Antica, Theophylact Simocatta, Verona Illustrata, Abbé de Mably, Chronicle of Marcellinus New!
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The fame of Gradan, before he had accomplished the twentieth year of his age, was equal to that of the most celebrated princes. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
prætorian præfect, loyal acclamations, declining monarchy, secret historian, various multitude, scanty sustenance, archiepiscopal throne, capacious harbour, green faction, civil jurisprudence, perpetual edict, intestine discord, royal convert, honourable rank, royal village Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Gregory of Tours, Esprit des Loix, Theodosian Code, John Malala, Paul Warnefrid, Abbé Dubos, Gregory Nazianzen, Rebus Geticis, Sidonius Apollinaris, Paschal Chronicle, Dion Cassius, George of Pisidia, Victor Vitensis, Asia Minor, Christianisme des Indes, Son of God, Sulpicius Severus, Aulus Gellius, Gesta Francorum, Holy Ghost, Roma Antica, Theophylact Simocatta, Verona Illustrata, Abbé de Mably, Chronicle of Marcellinus New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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100
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- Iain Sinclair (Salt Studies in Contemporary Literature & Culture S.) by Robert Bond on page 119, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Western Humanities, Vol. 2: The Renaissance to the Present by Roy Matthews on page 159, page 164, and page 165
- A Study of History, Vol. 1: Abridgement of Volumes I-VI by Arnold J. Toynbee on page 159, page 260, and page 285
- Losing the Garden: The Story of a Marriage by Laura Waterman on page 24, page 157, and page 182
- A Sober Desire For History: William Gilmore Simms As Historian by Sean R. Busick in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
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