Apparently it was on this day in 1764 that Edward Gibbon saw a group of friars singing in the ruins of Rome’s Temple of Jupiter. It sparked something in him, and led, we are told, directly to his writing the History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
I read that book in my mid twenties. And I loved, just loved it. I thought it was a lyrical text, and by and large spoke truths about looking to details to see patterns that might actually be useful in my life. It also set a standard for me that a book needed to be both informative and well written.
Inspired by this little factoid of his inspiration I found myself wondering what contemporaries think of this eighteenth century historian. Noodling around I was pleased to see he continues to be considered the first “modern historian of ancient Rome,” apparently because he actually tried to use primary sources in his research.
As to the judgment of those ensuing years Gibbon’s somewhat jaundiced view of the Christian church’s part in that decline and fall appears to have won him defenders and enemies, some who persist to this day. And, apparently his understanding of Byzantium has not stood up over the years. Other than that it is still considered to be a solid bit of scholarship.
Pretty cool…
If you haven’t read it, and you’re looking for a wonderful read that can occupy a few evenings, well, a few more than a few, you might pick up a copy…
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