A condensed edition of Edward Gibbon's THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, which compresses thirteen tumultuous centuries into a single epic narrative. Perhaps too skeptical about Christianity, with unexpectedly sympathetic views towards the barbarian invaders and the Byzantine Empire, and constantly aware of how political leaders often achieve the opposite of what they intend, Gibbon was attentive both to the broader pattern of events and to significant revealing details. Criticized for his enlightened views on politics, sexuality, and religion, the first volume soon found itself ‘on every table’ and was widely praised for the elegance of its prose. Fascinating, highly intelligent, and wonderfully entertaining, THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE ranks as one of the literary masterpieces of its time.