The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

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collapse of the roman empire

influence of christianity

elegant and scholarly writing

dense yet rewarding narrative

magnificent scholarship

historical scope of western civilization

fluctuating pacing

rich narrative exploration

historical figures and leadership

themes of morality, politics, and religion

vast geographical and temporal setting

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon is a monumental six-volume work that traces the trajectory of Western Civilization from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium. Gibbon, a sterling prose stylist, offers a narrative voice that is dense yet rewarding, with a focus on the inexorable collapse of the Roman Empire and the influence of Christianity. The book is known for its magnificent scholarship, historical scope, and Gibbon's sharp wit.

Characters:

The characters are primarily historical figures whose actions and motives illuminate the complexities of leadership and governance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by an elegant and scholarly style, blending serious historical analysis with engaging narrative techniques and humor.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative spans over a millennium of history, intricately detailing the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, exploring themes of morality, politics, and religion.

Setting:

The setting encapsulates the vast geographical and temporal scope of the Roman Empire, delving into multiple eras and cultures.

Pacing:

The pacing tends to fluctuate between detailed analyses and narrative momentum, requiring reader patience and engagement.

In the second century of the Christian æra, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guar...

Notes:

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire took 20 years to write and is six volumes long.

Gibbon completed the final volume in his garden in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1787.

He wrote that history is a record of mankind's 'crimes, follies, and misfortune'.

The book covers Western civilization from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium.

Gibbon argued that the loss of civic virtue among Romans allowed barbarian invasions to succeed.

He believed Christianity played a role in the fall of the Empire, as it shifted focus from civic duty to spiritual concerns.

Gibbon relied on primary sources, establishing a method for modern historical scholarship.

Despite its historical inaccuracies, Gibbon's work remains influential in understanding Roman history.

His prose is known for its elegance, wit, and narrative style, making it a compelling read.

The book discusses key historical figures and events, including the rise of Christianity and the decline of paganism.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, warfare, and discussions of persecution, both pagan and Christian.

From The Publisher:

Edited, abridged, and with a critical Foreword by Hans-Friedrich Mueller

Introduction by Daniel J. Boorstin

Illustrations by Giovanni Battista Piranesi

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1 comment(s)

mumane344

Incredible

6 months

Más de 250 años de historia, desde Marco Antonio (~ año 100) a la invasion de los hunos (~ año 375).

Este libro aunque se llama Vol 1, realmente contiene los volumenes 1 y 2 originales que fueron publicados en 1776 and 1781.

Este libro es bastante largo con más de 1000 páginas pero se hace muy ameno.

Es una larga sucesion de traiciones, asesinatos, guerras civiles, guerras externas, internas, politicas, conjuras familiares, etc. En un momento, la propia abuela del emperador se conjura para que le asesinen y poner a su primo.

Una especie de juego de tronos pero esto es historia autentica.

El lenguaje del libro es a la vez sencillo pero bello. Ameno y bien explicado

La unica pega que le encuentro son esos capitulos sobre el cristianismo que no mantienen el nivel de tension del resto del libro. Tambien parece que el ritmo se esta ralentizando. La mitad del libro es la explicación de los ultimos 75 años de este periodo mientras que la primera mitad explica los otros 200 años.

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About the Author:

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), born into a prosperous family, was by turns historian, member of the House of Commons, and member of Dr. Johnson's Club. He is considered the greatest English Enlightenment historian on the basis of his masterpiece, The Decline and…

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