Edward Gibbon (27 April 1737 – 16 January 1794) was an English historian and Member of Parliament. His most important work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788. The Decline and Fall is known for the quality and irony of its prose, its use of primary sources, and its open criticism of organised religion.
Read more about Edward Gibbon: Early Life: 1737–1752, Oxford, Lausanne, and A Religious Journey: 1752–1758, Thwarted Romance, First Fame and The Grand Tour: 1758–1765, The History of The Decline and Fall of The Roman Empire: 1776–1788, Later Years: 1789–1794, Legacy
Famous quotes containing the words edward gibbon, edward and/or gibbon:
“History ... is, indeed, little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.”
—Edward Gibbon (1737–1794)
“Any time you’ve got nothing to do—and lots of time to do it—come on up.”
—Mae West, U.S. screenwriter, W.C. Fields, and Edward Cline. Flower Belle Lee (Mae West)
“My English text is chaste, and all licentious passages are left in the obscurity of a learned language.”
—Edward Gibbon (1737–1794)