The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. I: Volume 1

Edward Gibbon

Nov 2007 · Blackstone Audio Inc. · Narrated by Bernard Mayes

About this audiobook

Considered one of the finest historical works in the English language, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is lauded for its graceful, elegant prose style as much as for its epic scope. Remarkably accurate for its day, Gibbon's treatise holds a high place in the history of literature and remains an enduring subject of study.

Gibbon's monumental work traces the history of more than thirteen centuries, covering the great events as well as the general historical progression. This first volume covers AD 180 AD to AD 395, which includes the reign of Augustus, the establishment of Christianity, and the Crusades.

Ratings and reviews

Very interesting to go back into history as far back as the Romans. I would suggest it to anyone interested in the history of the world, really! Never saw it like that, but understand it better and where we stand.

most incredible interest in a voice with this story was overpowering. I hope I'll live the experience again, here.

About the author

Edward Gibbon (1737–1794), an English historian and member of Parliament, had little formal education. He went to Oxford, but was forced to leave when he converted to Roman Catholicism. His family then sent him to Lausanne, where he was reconverted to Protestantism. His most important work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788.

Bernard Mayes is a teacher, administrator, corporate executive, broadcaster, actor, dramatist, and former international commentator on US culture. He is best known for his readings of historical classics.