The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

Rare complete first edition set, including the rare first state of volume one, of Gibbon's landmark work of historiography. Quarto, 6 volumes bound in full contemporary mottled calf, with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt turn-ins, three engraved folding maps by Kitchin of the Western and Eastern Roman Empire and of Constantinople. First edition, first issue of vol. 1 with errata uncorrected, [one of 500 copies], half-titles (that in vol. 1 a tipped-in later facsimile), 3 folding engraved maps, engraved portrait frontispiece after Reynolds and vol. 1 *a4-*b2 (Contents) bound in vol. 2, vol. 1 with later engraved portrait laid down as frontispiece, with all cancels and errata as called for, engraved bookplate, later ink ownership name S. de Giles to rear pastedowns. While the first volume was on the press, Strahan decided to increase the print run from 500 to 1000 copies; the second 500 or so copies, constituting the second state, have the errata corrected through p.183 (here uncorrected). In very good condition with highly skilful repairs to spine ends and joints. A rare and very handsome complete first edition set of Gibbon’s masterpiece.