The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

London: W Strahan; T Cadell, 1782-1788. First edition. Leather. Good. 11" by 9". None. Very early and part first editions of Edward Gibbon's seminal work on the Roman Empire. Illustrated, with a frontispiece and three engraved maps. Volume I is dated 1782, Volume II is dated 1781, Volume III is dated 1781, Volume IV, V and VI are dated 1788, Volume I is a 'New Edition', volumes II and III are the 'Second Edition' with volumes IV-VI being first editions. With the bookplate of Thomas Baring as well as the bookplate for Netley Castle to all volumes at the pastedowns. These books were likely to have been owned by Sir Thomas Baring, 2nd Baronet. Baring was a British banker and Member of Parliament. He was an MP of High Wycombe and Hampshire until 1831. He also resided in Hampshire until his death. Netley Castle is a former artillery fort in the Hampshire village of Netley. Volumes II, IV and V are rebacked with the original spine relaid and boards preserved. Two maps to volume II, one folding. Errata to the rear of volume II and III. Errata to the rear of volume VI for volumes IV, V and VI. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire traces the trajectory of Western civilisation from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium and therefore spans a nearly 1500 year period from 98 to 1590 of the Roman Empire. Therefore, Gibbon discusses the history of early Christianity, the Roman State Church as well as the history of Europe. The popularity of this work rests on Gibbon's objectivity and heavy use of primary sources. In the eighteenth century the use of primary sources for historical was very rare which was why his work was extremely popular. His methodology also became a model for later historians. Edward Gibbon wrote many historical works, but is best known for this title. This is due to its quality, the use of primary sources as well as the open criticism of organised religions. The work earned him a reputation as the first modern historian of Ancient Rome. A nice set of scarce early editions of these works. Collated, complete. In full calf bindings. Externally, rubbed in places. Volumes II, IV and V are rebacked with the original spine laid down and original boards preserved. Rubbing to the spine, boards and joints. Spotting to the boards of volume II. Several score marks and patched of rubbing to the boards. Small damp stained patch to the front board of volume I. Split to the tail of rear joint to volume I resulting in the joint starting but firm. Both hinges to volume I are starting but firm. Rear hinge to volume III is tender and may fail with further handling. Small crack to the tail of front joint to volume III. Front hinge to volume IV has been reinforced. Both hinges to volume V have been reinforced. Front joint to volume VI is starting but firm with the hinge tender after the front endpaper. Rear board is detached but present to volume VI. Tail of backstrip to volume I is lifting at the front hinge due to a tear. Backstrip to volume VI is lifting at the rear Loss to the head and tail of spine to volume I. Loss to the tail of spine to volume III as well as to the volume number. Loss to the head and tail of spine to volume VI. Minor bumping to the extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally bright and clean volume I. Scattered spotting to volume II. Offsetting to the B leaf of volume II from the plate 'A Map of the parts of Europe and Asia adjacent to Constantinople'. Occasional scattered spots to the pages, heavier to the first and last few pages. Good