The autobiography and correspondence of Edward Gibbon, the historian, is a comprehensive collection of writings by one of the most influential historians of the 18th century. Edward Gibbon is best known for his monumental work, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," which is considered a masterpiece of historical writing.
In this book, readers are given a rare glimpse into the life and mind of Gibbon through his own words. The autobiography provides insight into his early life, education, and the events that shaped his career as a historian. Gibbon's writing is characterized by his wit, intelligence, and keen observations of the world around him.
The correspondence included in this collection offers a fascinating look at Gibbon's relationships with his contemporaries, including other writers, scholars, and politicians. Through his letters, readers can see Gibbon's thoughts on a wide range of topics, from politics and religion to literature and philosophy.
Throughout the book, Gibbon's passion for history and his dedication to his craft shine through. His meticulous research and attention to detail are evident in both his autobiography and his correspondence. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of Gibbon as a person and as a historian, as well as a greater appreciation for his contributions to the field of history.
O"The autobiography and correspondence of Edward Gibbon, the historian" is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of this influential figure. It offers a unique perspective on Gibbon's life and legacy, and provides valuable insights into the mind of one of history's greatest historians.
Form The book
In the fifty-second year of my life, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life. Truth, naked unblushing tru th, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recomendation of this personal narrative. The style shall be simple and familiar ; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward : and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.*
A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men. We seem to have lived in the persons of our forefathers ; it is the labour and reward of vanity to extend the term of this ideal longevity. Our imagination is always active to enlarge the narrow circle in which Nature has confined us.
Fifty or an hundred years may be allotted to an individual, but we step forward beyond death with such hopes as religion and philosophy will suggest ; and we fill up the silent vacancy that precedes our birth, by associating ourselves to the authors of our existence. Our calmer judgment will rather tend to moderate, than to suppress, the pride of an ancient and worthy race. The satirist may laugh, the philosopher may preach; but Reason herself will respect the prejudices and habits, which have been consecrated by the experience of mankind.
Wherever the distinction of birth is allowed to form a superior order in the state, education and example should always, and will often, produce among them a dignity of sentiment and propriety of conduct, which is guarded from dishonour by their own and the public esteem. If we read of some illustrious line so ancient that it has no beginning,
