Gibbon, Edward. His copy of : Denina, Carlo.

4to, first edition, from the library of edward gibbon with his bookplate, contemporary calf, spine in six compartments decorated in gilt, red and green morocco labels, leaves slightly browned, some wear to edges of binding, upper joint partially cracked

Edward Gibbon, with his bookplate and book-label on upper paste-down, the sale of his library ("left by him at Lausanne"), Sotheby's, 20 December 1934, lot 67, bought by Maggs for £4

"From a slender beginning I have gradually formed a numerous and select library, the foundation and best comfort of my life, both home and abroad...Every volume, before it was deposited on the shelf, was either read or sufficiently examined" (Gibbon, quoted in the foreword to Sotheby's Sale Catalogue of 20 December 1934)

Geoffrey Keynes, catalogue of The Library of Edward Gibbon, p.109 ("...it seems  probable that [the catalogue] gives quite five-sixths of the books composing Gibbon's 'numerous and select library, including most of those on which he founded The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire":  introduction)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Gibbon's copy--quite possibly used as research for his magisterial Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire--of the first volume of the chief work of the Italian historian. Denina was subsequently exiled from Itlay, and evenutally became Imperial Librarian in Paris under Napoleon in 1731.