Edward Gibbon

1737–1794

Nationality: English

Historical Period: The 18th Century

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) is regarded as the greatest historian of the Enlightenment. His multi-volume history of Rome was both scholarly and full of humane scepticism. Although he was a Member of Parliament he was a long-time resident of Lausanne.

Quotes from Edward Gibbon:

• Edward Gibbon on defending public liberty
• Edward Gibbon called the loss of independence and excessive obedience the “secret poison” which corrupted the Roman Empire
• Edward Gibbon gloomily observed that in a unified empire like the Roman there was nowhere to escape, whereas with a multiplicity of states there were always gaps and interstices to hide in
• Edward Gibbon wonders if Europe will avoid the same fate as the Roman Empire, collapse brought on as a result of prosperity, corruption, and military conquest
• Edward Gibbon reveals the reasons why he wrote on the Decline of the Roman Empire
• Edward Gibbon believed that unless public liberty was defended by “intrepid and vigilant guardians” any constitution would degenerate into despotism

Titles from Edward Gibbon:

• Author: Autobiography
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 12 vols.
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 1
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 2
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 3
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 4
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 5
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 6
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 7
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 8
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 9
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 10
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 11
• Author: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 12