GIBBON, Edward (1737-1794). The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776-1788.

6 volumes, 4to (272 x 215 mm). Vol. I: Half-title; 3pp. contents, errata leaf; Vol. II: Half-title; 3 pp. contents, engraved portrait frontispiece by Hall after Joshua Reynolds dated 18 February 1780 [usually bound in vol.I]; full-sheet folding map of the Eastern Roman Empire by Thomas Kitchin dated 1 January 1781 bound before p.1 (light spotting), half-sheet map of Constantinople and environs by Thomas Kitchin dated 1 January 1781 bound before p.23, G1 and Ll1 are cancels, errata leaf ; Vol. III: Half-title; 7 pp. contents, 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; (rubbing to boards, light spotting); Vol. IV: Half-title; 7 pp. contents, H3 and L2 are cancels; Vol. V: Half-title; 8 pp. contents, Vol. VI: Half-title; 9 pp. contents, errata for volumes IV-VI on 4Uv. (Marginal browning to endpapers, light spotting throughout.) Early 20th century tan half calf with marbled boards (some rubbing).

FIRST EDITION. Anticipating high demand for the work, publisher William Strahan decided to increase the initial print run of the first volume from 500 to 1000 copies while it was being pressed. Strahan's instincts proved to be correct, as all 1,000 copies of the first edition were sold within two weeks of publication. "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is the only historical narrative prior to Macauley which continues to be reprinted and actually read" (PMM). Grolier English 58; Norton 20, 23, 29; PMM 222.

Property from the Dorros Family Collection

GIBBON, Edward (1737-1794). The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776-1788.

GIBBON, Edward (1737-1794). The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776-1788.