Biography
Edward Gibbon's legacy rests on his monumental work, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," which remains a cornerstone in the field of historiography. Marrying deep scholarship with a refined literary style sprinkled with irony, Gibbon's opus has endured through the ages. His life, filled with personal struggles and academic triumphs, shaped his contributions to history.
Early Life
Born on May 8, 1737, in Putney, Surrey, England, Edward Gibbon was the son of Edward Gibbon, a country gentleman, and Judith Porten, the daughter of a London merchant. Edward grew up in the picturesque setting of Buriton, Hampshire, a family estate his grandfather managed to preserve from financial ruin. As a child, Edward was frequently ill, which kept him confined indoors, allowing him ample time to indulge in reading—a pursuit he cherished. Despite his health challenges, which left emotional and physical marks, he found solace in his books.
Gibbon's education began at home before he progressed to Westminster School and then Magdalen College, Oxford. He dreaded interruptions to his reading, particularly social visits that took him away from his books. On one such occasion, he wrote, "I was immersed in the passage of the Goths over the Danube, when the summons of the dinner-bell reluctantly dragged me from my intellectual feast."
At just under fifteen, Gibbon entered Magdalen College with a wealth of knowledge that might challenge a scholar, yet lacked some basic education. Initially considering Oriental studies, he was dissuaded and ultimately drifted academically, leading to an exploration of religious questions. His intellectual curiosity led him to convert to Roman Catholicism at sixteen, a decision that dismayed his father.
Consequently, Gibbon was sent to the Continent, where he resumed his formal education, honing his Latin, beginning Greek, and learning French. In Lausanne, under the guidance of a Protestant Swiss tutor, he reverted to Anglicanism, the church of his upbringing, before adopting a more skeptical view. During his European sojourn, he fell in love with Suzanne Curchod, but familial obligations ended the romance. Though they parted, Suzanne later became the influential Madame Necker.
Upon returning to England, Gibbon joined the militia, achieving the rank of captain, and contributed a Latin motto for the South Hampshire Grenadiers. The peace of 1763 saw him leave the militia, carrying with him the early signs of a medical condition that would prove fatal decades later. During a subsequent trip to Rome in 1764, while contemplating the ruins, the idea of chronicling the decline of Rome took root in his mind. His father’s passing in 1770 then provided him with the resources to pursue this ambition further. Back in England, he entered the House of Commons, yet his political career was largely ceremonial, as his focus remained on his historical pursuits.
Life’s Work
In early 1776, Gibbon informed his friend John Holroyd of his imminent publication. The first volume of his magnum opus appeared in March, coinciding with notable works like Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations." Gibbon had contemplated writing such a history since 1764, although his initial reaction to Rome's ruins was one of distaste. Over time, however, his understanding of history evolved, culminating in the six-volume epic that engaged readers and scholars alike.
Gibbon sought to uncover the intelligibility in history, examining the interaction of causes and effects. While not a philosopher, he aimed to apply a philosophical lens to his historical narrative. Deriving inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers, he adhered to the principle that history should include only facts that were interesting or significant. While his narrative tackled the decline of civilizations, he remained optimistic about the potential for...
(This entire section contains 1335 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
progress. This juxtaposition of pessimism and belief in human advancement reflected his ongoing development as a historian.
Despite his criticism of the Middle Ages and the claim that Rome's fall resulted from barbarism and religion, Gibbon later advocated for preserving medieval historical records. He understood the irreplaceable nature of historical facts, stating, "For the losses of history are indeed irretrievable... but if the inscription of a single fact be once obliterated, it can never be restored by the united efforts of genius and industry." His work required investigating migrations, wars, and religious shifts, often involving the anonymous masses who shaped history's course.
Gibbon's approach to sources demands its own exploration. J. B. Bury’s annotated edition provides insights into Gibbon's scholarly methods, as Gibbon himself did not produce a critical bibliography. He emphasized storytelling, seamlessly integrating moral reflections into his narrative. "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" comprises two histories: one focusing on Rome and its Western Empire, and the other on Constantinople, which he had only ever known through literary sources. This dual narrative reflects his biases, especially his preference for the Roman success story over the Byzantine history, which he viewed as lacking substantial legacy.
His admiration for Roman civilization contrasted with his detached view of Constantinople, which he described in a style reminiscent of "The Arabian Nights’ Entertainments." His engagement with Roman history was animated and insightful, while his depiction of Eastern history was stylistic but less fervent. Despite these variations, Gibbon's dedication to style is evident, as he meticulously revised his chapters to achieve the desired literary effect.
Legacy and Influence
In 1787, with his monumental work complete, Gibbon settled in Lausanne, enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. Yet, his later years were marred by personal loss and the tumult of the French Revolution. The influx of refugees and the specter of French invasion prompted his return to England in 1793, where he spent his final months with his close friend Lord Sheffield. Gibbon's worsening medical condition required surgery, which ultimately led to his death on January 16, 1794. He was laid to rest in Sussex among the Holroyd family graves.
Summary
During his life, Gibbon was often likened to contemporaries like David Hume and William Robertson, from whom he drew inspiration. Although Hume brought a broader philosophical perspective, Gibbon matched the narrative flair popularized by Robertson. Despite the limitations of his era, Gibbon's achievements were acknowledged and celebrated. His work received widespread acclaim, even amid initial criticism from clergymen, and earned praise from influential figures like Richard Brinsley Sheridan.
Following Gibbon's death, his masterpiece underwent various edits and censoring. The advent of rigorous German historical scholarship challenged parts of his work by the late nineteenth century, leading to shifts in critical perspectives. Early in the 1800s, some scholars preferred Hume's intellectualism over Gibbon's style, yet by the century's end, Gibbon's writing continued to draw admiration from readers like the young Winston Churchill. Ultimately, historians, regardless of their specialization, remain captivated by Gibbon's sweeping narrative and his ability to present vast historical themes in a compelling manner.
Bibliography
Bond, Harold L. The Literary Art of Edward Gibbon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1960. This was initially a doctoral dissertation at Harvard, later revised for publication.
Bowersock, Glen W., et al., eds. Edward Gibbon and the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1977. Although lacking a comprehensive bibliography, the detailed footnotes offer valuable insights, with notable contributions from Steven Runciman and Bernard Lewis.
Gibbon, Edward. The Autobiographies of Edward Gibbon. Edited by John Murray. London: John Murray, 1896. This collection comprises six complete versions and a fragment, showcasing Gibbon’s evolving self-presentation.
Gibbon, Edward. Gibbon’s Journal to January 28th, 1763. Edited by David Morrice Low. New York: W. W. Norton and Co., 1929. An improved version over earlier extracts published by Sheffield.
Gibbon, Edward. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Edited by J. B. Bury. 7 vols. New York: Macmillan, 1896-1902. Bury aimed to update Gibbon’s work with contemporary scholarship and assess his use of sources.
Gibbon, Edward. Letters. Edited by J. E. Norton. 3 vols. London: Cassell, 1956. This edition supersedes previous collections with its comprehensiveness.
Gibbon, Edward. The Miscellaneous Works of Edward Gibbon. Edited by John Sheffield. London: B. Blake, 1837. Includes juvenile writings, some letters, journal extracts, and one autobiography version.
Young, George M. Gibbon. London: Rupert Hart-Davis, 1948. Originally published in 1932, this edition is noted for its readability despite lacking scholarly apparatus.
Criticism by Edward Gibbon
