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