Gibbon, Edward

Written in brown ink by a single scribe, in which Gibbon explains that, as he had no children and his closest relation, Lady Catherine Eliot, was well provided for, he is leaving his property to his cousins, Charlotte and Stanier James Porten, his property in Lausanne to Wilhelm de Sévery and entrusting his manuscripts for possible publication to Thomas Cadell and Andrew Strahan, the manuscript including copies of the signatures of Gibbon and the witnesses [Thomas] Pelham, [Sir] Godfrey Webster and J. Satan, and the date of his subscription, Lausanne, 1 October 1791.

Four pages, folio (331 x 202 mm), Britannia watermark, probably c.1791; some wear with holes repaired on the final leaf, tiny perforations elsewhere. Modern cloth folding-box within a red morocco-backed slipcase, red-gilt title label to cover.

acquisition: Mott, July 14, 2000

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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.
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.

Gibbon's estate was thought by Edward Malone to have been worth around £26,000 at his death.