An abridged edition of Edward Gibbon's THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND
FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, which compresses thirteen turbulent centuries
into a single epic narrative.
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 both alert to 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,
THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE ranks as one of
the literary masterpieces of its age.