THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE DLE

Limited to 600 sets.
From the height of Imperial Rome to the fall of Byzantium, Edward Gibbon’s masterpiece is the model for how history should be written. This two-volume Deluxe Limited Edition is the perfect celebration of the great work – featuring all 57 engraved plates from a gorgeous 19th-century edition.
6-11/16” x 10-1/4”
$500 / 4 x $125
https://www.eastonpress.com/deluxe-editions/the-decline-and-fall-of-the-roman-em...

Wasn't this suppose to be a DLE years ago but got cancelled? I could've swore I read that somewhere....

2: I believe so! Also, does this include all the footnotes? How does this compare to the FS edition? Or the older EP edition? I wanttaknow!

In two volumes? I'm assuming this is abridged. I have the 18th century large quarto set (mixed editions),
and it's still a VERY thick six volumes, and that's without English translations of the Greek and Latin footnotes.

There have been many excellent editions of "Decline and Fall," and this looks like another. My personal favorite is a 6-volume set from Franklin's Great Books of the Western World series, containing 135 etchings by Piranesi, but EP's set will have a larger format and will probably be more elegant. FS also published a nice set that is still widely available. One could almost fill a library with high-quality Gibbons.

There's also the Everyman's Library edition that most have recommended over the FS edition.

I have not seen them all but I am quite pleased with the Brown leather 6 volume EP set with decaying column on the spine based on the excellent LEC rendition.

In fact there is a mint set on eBay now for $270. Not sure how you can beat the EP/LEC Version though I am intrigued by the Franklin set mentioned by >5 jroger1:

A more important question: how should one go about reading the entire work? I have the older 6-volume EP set and do intend to read it but it just seems so daunting, especially since I was planning to start it off with Livy's histories first. Is there a good strategy for attacking all that or do I just need to make sure I eat my Wheaties each morning?

My strategy is just focusing on one chapter at a time. I'm currently working on Roots (killer long). I just tell myself, one at a time.

Thousand mile journey is started with one step!

I agree with the others, I love my brown 6 volume set from EP. One of my favorites from all time!

>8 treereader: start on page 1 and enjoy. I read the entire 11,000 page Story of Civilization by the Durants in 11 volumes plus their "lessons" and "Heroes" and wish they had lived longer to write another 10 volumes; and I was working.

Can't wait to read Gibbons as I methodically read my 800 leather volumes! Read 63 books last year (not including about 7,000 pages of graphic novels/comics), helps to be retired!

> 11

That's a lot of reading! I wish I could read that fast! I probably juggle about 3 books at a time and finish them at a rate of one a month.

>12 treereader: some books are so good you simply do not touch another until finished (Three Musketeers DLE with art of Leloir). I am juggling Dante, Cervantes, and Folio Gnostic Gospels, in between novels since some books are difficult to read straight through non-stop and need to be consumed in small doses.

I am by the way a relatively slow reader....I just put in a lot of time.

Looking at the flyer in the previous dormant post about the cancelled DLE, it looks like EP made some changes. Cancelled DLE had a slipcase and measured 8 x 11 1/2.

The new version has no slipcase and measures roughly 6 x 10. No page count on the new version, but old was over 1300 pages total. Looks like a nice version none the less.

>8 treereader: >11 HugoDumas:
It took me 2 or 3 years, maybe 4, to finish the Durant set. My wife works in an office but I work from home, and I go out to breakfast and lunch almost every day. My system was to read the set while I ate, sometimes staying longer to finish a section. Because the books are heavy and bulky, I read them on my Kindle. If you are on a different schedule, try setting aside 30 minutes every morning or every evening for your Gibbon fix, and let nothing distract you. Read longer when you feel like it.

Honestly, the Gibbon books are so good that once you start you won't need any extra motivation to keep going. I read all 6 in about a 3 month period and wanted more afterwards.

I tried to order the book, but customer service told me that the book cannot be shipped outside of the United States. It's getting increasingly hard to order books from Easton Press as many of them are not being shipped abroad anymore due to copyright issues. But in this case, I really wonder: What copyright a facsimile of a book two centuries old might have that prevents it from being shipped outside of the US?

14: If you take a look at the webpage, you can clearly see that the current edition does indeed include a slipcase. I also imagine this is roughly 1300 or so pages. Still... it would be nice if someone was able to give some insight into the all the numerous editions of Gibbons that are out there!

17: No idea. You should ask costumer service they should at least be able to tell you why they can not ship it outside of the United States.

>4 JustinTChan:
An excellent observation. My 6-volume Franklin set is more than 3000 pages long, so this EP set must either be abridged or contain teeny-tiny print. The latter is a possibility, because Britannica's original set of Great Books squeezed the entire book into two volumes by using a flea-sized font. I'm always suspicious when EP's web site shows photos of the art work but not of a printed page.

>19 astropi: I asked and didn't receive a definite answer.

Well, still a nice looking edition either way. Although I am still waiting for the eagle-skin large paper letterpress 500 illustration edition which the work so richly deserves.

Coincidentally Reagans_rare_books just listed an original with some additional pictures ; for those interested it is item 191842563918 on eBay. Price is $500.

Apparently I can't see things that clearly. When I looked on the EP website I was sure I didn't see the slipcase. I don't know how I missed it. I ordered the set the other day anyway. Thanks for pointing this out to me, I am even happier today now that I see it has the slipcase. I hope this edition survives the production run.

By the way the 6 volume EP edition is 2,537 pages. But the margins are huge due to extensive footnotes.

>25 HugoDumas:
The Franklin set also has extensive footnotes. Perhaps they are reproduced from the same edition.

>26 jroger1: well you are lucky to have the Franklin GBWW version. I wish I could see it.

While I have yet to buy it, I researched the various incarnations of Gibbon's work not long ago, and I recall that the only current edition (i.e., not a 1795 edition sitting in a British library) containing all of Gibbon's footnotes (and I'm going by the word of other readers here; I have no first hand knowledge) is a 3-volume one edited by David Womersley. I've heard that the 8-volume FS edition omits much of the footnote material but contains the entire work proper so to speak. The Everyman version is said to contain much, but not all, of the footnotes. I recommend anyone looking for the full experience do their own research as fully as they can; as with any classic work, this has many incarnations and they do differ.

I'm guessing that this EP edition can't possibly be unabridged as it is only 2 volumes. I may be attempting to read tea leaves, but two clues from EP suggest to me that I am correct in this belief:

- They list the title as "The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire," but the full work is known everywhere else (of which I know) as "The History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire."

- The listing calls the new EP edition a "celebration of the great work," seemingly implying that it's not the work itself. Of course, you could say any nice edition celebrates the work it is presenting, so this may mean nothing.

>28 St._Troy:

I can guarantee that the 18th century editions trade very regularly (and relatively cheaply) at auction. I would assume partly because they are very often rebound and well taken care of, so copies are plentiful. Only the true first edition set is sitting in a British library. Or more accurately, it's a true first of Volume 1 which gives those sets their enormous value.

29: Actually most are in terrible shape which is why they are cheap. We're talking foxing all over the place and oftentimes numerous other blemishes. Try to find a copy in fine condition and you'll pay a hefty sum. That's the thing about EP editions. They don't have foxing and are always in fine condition when they arrive at your door (barring anything weird happening)! On the other hand, you can find older editions relatively inexpensively, but again, I've never seen them anywhere near fine... :/

>astropi, you must be working for EP. LOL.

31: I just share my flair :)
Seriously though, as much as I like "old" books, I get all in a flutter when they having foxing. For some people it may not matter, but it's likely the perfectionist in me that makes me aghast when I see foxing... It really can't be helped for older books since back then you could not store books in a dry environment and/or people simply did not think about the long-term condition of their books. That's why if you do manage to find old books without foxing, you will pay a massive premium for them.

>32 astropi:
I agree that foxing is unsightly and I don't want it on my books, but it is not necessarily due to moisture and other storage conditions. It can also be caused by oxidation of the metals in the pulp. It doesn't seem to damage the paper except aestheticaly. Wikipedia has a good entry under "Foxing."

33: Good point!

http://cool.conservation-us.org/coolaic/sg/bpg/pcc/13_foxing.pdf

Still, as collectors, I think aesthetics is top in our list of what matters in a book. Here's something to ponder:

"There are approximately 100 fungoid species
designated as 'paper-attacking' though some
specialists suggest that many more of the more than
30,000 species of fungi would attack paper Gallo
1963, 57; RK. Not all of these species are
necessarily associated with foxing."

Have a look at the Cambridge Library Collection's edition of Decline and Fall. They scan critical books of major importance in first editions, clean them, and reprint them in paperbacks. Though a bit expensive, this is probably the best way to obtain an important edition. This one is a reissue of the authoritative seven-volume edition prepared by J. B. Bury (1861-1927) between 1896 and 1900.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1108050700/ref=nosim/librarythin08-20

http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139333566

Has anyone got the Decline and Fall DLE already? I'm curious about the quality. Having been disappointed with some DLEs lately, I prefer waiting for a review and some photos before ordering this, especially as I won't have an easy way of returning it from the UK to the US if the quality is subpar.

>36 OrenUK:
I have not seen this edition, but there are some questions I would want answered before I ordered it. Most good publishers who have printed the complete Decline and Fall do so in 6 volumes (Everyman's Library, Folio Society, Franklin Library). This 2-volume edition must either be abridged or contain very small print. Also, Gibbon filled his manuscript with lots of footnotes, many of them very informative. I would want to know if they are retained in EP's edition.

Folio just announced a 6-volume LE version as they were first published with all the footnotes. Included will be an extra volume with commentary, notes, etc. Little on the pricey side, though... ($1695)

(I'll stick with my very nice Everyman's edition.)

Still can any edition beat the attractive EP 6 volume edition with the crumbling columns on the brown spine? This was a reprint of the LEC edition I believe.

>38 jhicks62: They have a few LE's on the list that is of interest to me but based on the speculative pricing I may be priced out.

>39 HugoDumas: They could also be publishing a facsimile of Walter Crane’s Toy Books published by Routledge between 1865 and 1876 that could be of interest to you. Here's the link to the complete list posted by wcarter https://www.librarything.com/topic/223530#5586732

>38 jhicks62:
It was a survey item, one of 8 possible LEs that might be published later. It is generating a lot of interest on the Folio Sociery Devotees forum, however.

I guess the fact that they had a price attached to it made me think they were a little more serious about it. But I guess they could also be gauging interest at that price.

> 39 This is the set that I will eventually buy, they are usually easily available on eBay, I just haven't pulled the trigger on one yet.

>44 Eastoner: Hang in there then. Some sold for as low as $157 near mint.

I imagine the FS LE is a survey. At that price I don't think people will purchase it. Unless it was letterpress with photogravures, in which case sign me up :)

I am very eager to buy this book and was wondering if someone who has purchased the set comment on the page layout and font, as I am not sure how EP managed to fit the set in about 1200 odd pages.

The folks at EP have replied to me stating that each page has 2 columns and the print is extremely small. Hence they managed to fit the contents over 1600 pages (instead of 4K+ pages). I suggested to chuck in a magnifying glass with every order :)

>48 venkysuniverse:
EP has done a similar thing with many recent DLEs, usually by reproducing an older edition with a font the size of a flea. I don't know how they get by with calling such unreadable texts "deluxe." You can often tell which ones have this fatal flaw by studying the photos EP reproduces on the DLE's web page. If they do not contain at least one clear page of text, beware.

>47 venkysuniverse:
Just my opinion, but I think you should find out whether or not this edition will contain the footnotes, because if not, I would advise getting a different copy; they are incredibly useful and informative.

>48 venkysuniverse:
There are several nice sets of "Decline and Fall" available. The one I own and like a lot is the 6-volume Franklin set from their Great Books of the Western World Series. It contains all the footnotes which, as Arknight says, are very important. Abe.com currently has one set available for the same price as Easton's 2-volume set.

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=19788822918&searchurl=pn%3...

And no EP sets or LEC sets! Wow need to read mine and get it on eBay! Over priced set available by Rare book cellar...but he does not count.

>49 jroger1: I agree with your observations and try to stay away from those ones. Thankfully the customer service is good and gave accurate information.

>50 Arknight: Thanks, I have anyways decided to refrain from purchasing the copy due to the small print but will keep it in mind while looking at other editions.

>51 jroger1: Thanks a lot. Folio Society might also publish one with all the footnotes, so fingers crossed (a LE though).

It appears this DLE has been removed or has sold out.

According to EP Item 3518 will be back in stock by April 1,2021:

https://www.eastonpress.com/deluxe-editions/the-decline-and-fall-of-the-roman-em...

>57 saintmelville: That's very tempting. Love Decline and Fall, I read all of it a couple of years ago. I'm fond of my six-volume Everyman's Library edition with footnotes, though. To compress all of that into two volumes, the font in the EP facsimile must be rather small. Would love to hear from anyone who already owns this EP version.

>58 Betelgeuse:
Franklin Library published a beautiful 6-volume set as part of its Great Books of the Western World series. It contains “all 135 Piranesi etchings of the ‘Vedute di Roma’ plus two by his son and artistic heir, Francesco, which are traditionally included in the series.”

“The annotations in this edition are derived from the edition in Everyman’s Library.”

An “as new” set is currently listed on abe.com for $300.

>59 jroger1:
Oh good to know as I own this Franklin version as well as the LEC and Folio Society editions. So am I to assume from your post that the Franklin being based on the Everyman edition means it contains the complete version of Gibbon’s wonderful footnotes which the Folio edition notoriously does not?

>60 UK_History_Fan:
The note I quoted above is from the copyright page, but all I know for sure is that it contains lots and lots of notes.

>59 jroger1: Thank you!

>58 Betelgeuse: I believe the font is very small as I had checked with them when it was initially launched and that deterred me from purchasing this edition.

>63 venkysuniverse: Thank you! I think I'll stick with my Everyman's Library six volume edition, though the Franklin Library version also looks nice.

>64 Betelgeuse: and don’t forget the beautiful 6 volume edition by EP. Currently selling for around $300+ in unread condition. https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Decline-and-Fall-of-the-Roman-Empire-Easton-Press-L...

>65 HugoDumas: I have looked at the EP, but I long ago decided to pass on it. The staggered, eroding columns on the bindings (while thematically clever), disturbs my OCD-desire for symmetry. More importantly, if I'm not mistaken, the EP version doesn't contain all of Gibbon's wonderful footnotes. I'll probably stick with my 1993 Everyman's Library set unless someone comes out with something new that strikes me. The Everyman's Library series isn't the finest-looking design, but it's sturdy and reliable, like an old Volvo. Corinthian columns described within, but no leather, Corinthian or otherwise. That will have to do for now. The green cloth exterior of EL is also very nice.

>57 saintmelville:

Wow! Thanks for the reminder! I was regretting that I didn't grab this set while it was released. I will definitely get this one before it's sold out.

Last month I nearly bought this set from someone on the ebay, but he said it cannot be shipped to Taiwan. I am glad I waited.

I've searched through this thread but can't seem to find an answer: Can anyone who has already received this set of books tell me whether it is abridged and whether it has the footnotes? I've seen several guesses, but nothing definitive. Thanks

I don't have a copy myself but EP posted a pic of the interior on their website.

That type is pretty small, especially when it comes to the footnotes. I don't know if my old eyes can handle it. I believe I'm able to deduce from the photo that this is not an abridged version. Matching the text on the photo to other versions of the book, and seeing how the photographed book must be volume 2 at roughly the halfway point, it appears there are enough pages for the entire Decline and Fall. Still not sure about all the footnotes, though.

Does the Everyman's Library contain all the footnotes? This would also include the Franklin Library?

>71 ironjaw:
The Franklin Library edition is filled with footnotes (89 in the first 21-page chapter alone), so I presume it is all of them. The copyright page says “the annotations in this edition are derived from the edition in Everyman’s Library.”

I have the Everyman's Library edition, and can confirm, that yes, it has the footnotes.

I have found the Everyman's Library to be the best version, in part because it includes all of the footnotes.

Does anyone know if the LEC edition, near impossible to find in good spine condition, contains all footnotes?

>75 UK_History_Fan: I don’t have it, but I searched the George Macy group here for “decline fall footnotes” and found the following message, which suggests that the LEC edition does have the footnotes.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/245660#5945737

If you want a sure confirmation, I am sure a post to that group would clear things up.

>76 abysswalker: thanks!