The BooKNooK
Created | Updated Aug 22, 2002
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire – Volume One
by Edward Gibbon
Edward Gibbon has managed to dust off the ancient history of the Roman
empire, and convey
the information in a riveting and capturing narrative. By combining ancient
historical texts,
his current outlook, and a sense of humour, Gibbon has created a fascinating
read.
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire was first published in 1776, and
Volume One follows
the Roman empire from the initial consolidation of power under the emperor,
through the
turbulent civil wars, to the sharing of power under three emperors, and
finally back to the
consolidation of power again. While Gibbon has definite ideas on why things
happened, I found
his analysis of history to be even-handed and interesting.
The Roman Empire, at its height, encompassed the bulk of the known world. It's affects on history,
language, and cultures are still felt today. The philosophers of the era
are still being discussed,
and the system of government is continuing to affect societies. It says
something, that when
the Roman Empire finally disappeared; Europe was plunged into the 'Dark
Ages'.
It's been said that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it. Gibbon offers a fun
and interesting way to read about history, without the cobwebs and mustiness
usually associated
with it. I would highly recommend this book to both history fanatics and
the casual history reader
who wants to get a better understanding of our current society.
