PublishedPenguin Classics, June 2000 |
ISBN9780140437645 |
FormatSoftcover, 848 pages |
Dimensions19.8cm × 12.9cm × 3.5cm |
Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire compresses 13 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.
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. This abridgement is based on David Womersley's definitive 3 volume Penguin Classics edition. Complete chapters from all 3 volumes, linked by extended bridging passages, vividly capture the style, the argument and the architecture of the whole work.
