Edward Gibbon

English historian and politician (1737–1794)

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Lived 1737–1794, aged 57United Kingdom

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Era
1737–1794
Aged 57

Summary

Updated 2026-06-09

He wrote the definitive account of Rome's collapse — six volumes tracing empire to ruin — and slipped in a savage critique of Christianity that made him both essential and controversial.

Biography

About

Edward Gibbon was born on 8 May 1737 in Britain and became an essayist, historian, and minor politician. Between 1776 and 1789 he published The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire across six volumes, achieving both critical praise and commercial success. The work distinguished itself through the quality and irony of its prose and rigorous use of primary sources. Its polemical criticism of organised religion sparked debate even as it secured the book's influence. Gibbon died on 16 January 1794, leaving behind the most important historical work of his era.

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon

said4 Apr 1793

Louis had given and suffered every thing.

— Letter to Lady Elizabeth Foster (4 April 1793), quoted in The Letters of Edward Gibbon: Volume Three 1784–1794, Letters 619–878, ed. J. E.

Edward Gibbon

said30 May 1792

I shuddered at Gray's motion, disliked the half-support of Fox, admired the firmness of Pitts declaration, and excused the usual intemperance of Burke. ...

— Letter to Lord Sheffield (30 May 1792), quoted in The Letters of Edward Gibbon: Volume Three 1784–1794, Letters 619–878, ed. J. E. Norton

Edward Gibbon

said31 May 1791

Poor Burke is the most eloquent and rational madman that I ever knew. I love Fox's feelings, but I detest the political principles of the man and of the party. ...

— Letter to Lord Sheffield (31 May 1791), quoted in The Letters of Edward Gibbon: Volume Three 1784–1794, Letters 619–878, ed. J. E. Norton

Edward Gibbon

said5 Feb 1791

Burke's book is a most admirable medication against the French disease, which has made too much progress even in this happy country.

— Letter to Lord Sheffield after reading Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France (5 February 1791) , quoted in The Letters of Edward

Edward Gibbon

said5 Feb 1791

The primitive Church, which I have treated with some freedom, was itself at that time, an innovation, and I was attached to the old Pagan establishment.

— Letter to Lord Sheffield (5 February 1791), quoted in The Letters of Edward Gibbon: Volume Three 1784–1794, Letters 619–878, ed. J. E.

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