Gibbon, Edward

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: Printed for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776 - 1788

6 volumes, 4to (10 5/8 x 8 3/4 in.; 270 x 222 mm). Half-titles in vols, 4,5,6, engraved portrait frontispiece in first volume, 3 folding maps; offset from portrait on title, a few leaves lightly browned, occasional marginal spotting heavier on a few leaves in vol. 3, marginal stains in a few pages in vol. 5. Contemporary polished tree calf, gilt-ruled borders, spines gilt, gilt-stamped morocco title labels; rebacked with original spines laid down, corners and edges torn. 

Acquistion: Ralph Geoffrey Newman

Grolier/ English 58; Norton 20, 23-29; PMM 222; Rothschild 942

Half-titles in vols, 4,5,6, engraved portrait frontispiece in first volume, folding map in volumes 2 & 3; a few leaves lightly browned, occasional marginal spotting heavier on a few leaves in vol. 3, marginal stains in a few pages in vol. 5. Contemporary polished tree calf, gilt-ruled borders, spines gilt, gilt-stamped morocco title labels; rebacked with original spines laid down, corners and edges torn.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, one of 1,000 copies, of Gibbon's "masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style" (PMM), this is the first state of the first volume, with none of the errata corrected and with the cancels noted by Norton.