Edward Gibbon Quotes
A collection of quotes by Edward Gibbon.
Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) was an influential British historian and author, known for his magnum opus, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." He was born in Putney, England, and grew up in a prosperous family. Initially, Gibbon pursued a career in law and politics, but his true passion lay in reading and writing about history.
Gibbon's most notable work, "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788. This vast and comprehensive history traced the fall of the Roman Empire from the height of its power to its disintegration, examining various factors such as barbarian invasions, political corruption, and religious transformations that contributed to its decline. Gibbon's narrative style, combining rigorous research and a compelling prose, set a benchmark for historical writing.
The work received widespread acclaim for its scholarship, although it also faced criticism for its characteristic skepticism towards religious institutions. Gibbon's unconventional viewpoints, particularly on Christianity, earned him both praise and controversy, as his work challenged prevailing religious beliefs of the time.
Beyond his historical pursuits, Gibbon was an active member of British society and held various governmental positions. He was a member of Parliament for a brief period and later served as a commissioner of trade and plantations. Despite his modest success in politics, Gibbon's lasting legacy resides in his irreplaceable contribution to historical writing and his pioneering approach towards the study of the Roman Empire's decline and fall.
