Gibbon

1783 · Best.-Nr. 978F8 — London: W. Strahan; and T. Cadell 1783-1790. Leather. Good. 8.5" by 5.5". Not Stated. The very scarce complete first octavo edition of Gibbons's 'Decline and Fall' tracing Western civilization from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium in the 15th century. The very scarce complete first octavo edition of Gibbons' famous work uniformly bound in full calf. While billed as 'A New Edition' to the title pages these volumes are all the very scarce first octavo edition.Volumes I-III of Gibbons's magnum opus were first published between between 1776 and 1781 in three quarto volumes and are here found bound in six volumes in the very scarce first octavo edition dated 1783. ESTC T78366Volumes IV-VI were first published in quarto volumes between 1788 and 1789 and are here found bound in six volumes and in the very scarce first octavo editions dated 1790. ESTC T78370Illustrated with a portrait frontispiece to volume I a folding map to volume II two large folding maps to the rear of volume VI. Collated complete.Gibbon here offers a condensed detailed and thorough history of the fall of the Roman Empire covering a period from 98 to 1590. He further explores the history of Europe Christianity and the Church.Gibbon has been criticized for his flawed interpretations of various religions with his scathing views on Christianity leading the book to be banned in several countries upon its publication.Volumes VI-XII retaining half titles. With the bookplates of W. Combes to front pastedown of volume I. In contemporary calf bindings with gilt detailing to back strips and boards. Significant rubbing to back strips most concentrated to tails and with small losses to back strip heads. Minor losses to perimeters of a small number of spine labels. Joints of volume I starting with front board somewhat tender. Head of front joint of volume III IV VI VII IX X strained and generally firmly held. Joints of volumes XI and XI starting and a touch tender. Remaining hinges strained but firmly held. Bookplates to front pastedown of volume I. Internally firmly bound. Pages a touch age toned due to paper type otherwise clean and bright. Good W. Strahan; and T. Cadell hardcover