Edward Gibbon’s dates were 1737-1794. Born in Surrey, he received a rigorous formal education and served in the English militia during the Seven Years War. After discharge in 1762, Gibbon embarked on a grand tour of Europe, which included a stay in Rome. Seeing the ruins of the Forum captured his imagination and from that moment on he dedicated himself to writing the history of the fall of the Roman Empire. Back in England Gibbon spent time managing his father’s estate and serving in parliament while writing his history. The first volume was published in 1776, volumes three and four by 1781, and the final two volumes appeared in 1787. Interesting to note the coincidence with important American dates. The Decline was immensely popular in its day with the first two volumes selling out three editions.
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