Title:
The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire / Edward Gibbon ; edited and abridged by David Womersley.
Author:
Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794.
Publication Information:
London ; New York : Penguin Books, 2005.
Call Number:
DG311 .G5 2005
Abstract:
"Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire compresses thirteen 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. 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, 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 three-volume Penguin Classics edition of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Complete chapters from all three volumes, linked by extended bridging passages, capture the style, the argument and the architecture of the whole work." --Book Jacket.
Electronic Access:
Contributor biographical information http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1203/2001266515-b.htmlTable of contents only http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1203/2001266515-t.html
Edition:
Abridged ed.
ISBN:
9780140437645
Series:
Penguin classics
Penguin classics.
Physical Description:
xxxix, 795 p. ; 20 cm.
Uniform Title:
History of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Selections
Personal Author: