Edward Gibbons six-volume set of ''The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire''. London: W. Strahan & T. Cadell, 1776-1789. All first editions, except for volume I which is noted as the second edition. A high point of the Enlightenment, Gibbon's magnum opus remains one of the most influential books in western civilization, said to have invented the modern history book. Complete with three maps, two folding, in volumes II and III, and also with frontispiece portrait of Edward Gibbons in volume I. Bound in contemporary leather with marbled endpapers. All edges gilt. Previous owner's bookplates on endpapers. Wear to boards including loss to backstrips, and some volumes partially detached. Interiors are clean except for some foxing and dampstaining to isolated sections. Very good condition.