Gibbon aspired to combine the critical analysis of the eighteenth-century philosophe with the older traditions of the humanist and scholarly historian. His different uses of numbers, to inform and to persuade, illustrate his remarkable fusion of these approaches. This book, the first to be devoted to a historian’s use of numbers, shows how carefully Gibbon interrogated and deployed the numerical evidence in his sources to create a more accurate historical narrative; to demonstrate his own reliability and candor as a historian; and to convince readers of the validity of his interpretations of characters and events.

Enlightenment attempts to save the Old Testament Pastors and scholars today lament the Old Testament's neglect in the West. But this is nothing new. In the eighteenth century, natural philosopher John Hutchinson witnessed the Old Testament becoming devalued as Scripture. And in his mind, the blame lay with Isaac Newton. In The Quest to Save the Old Testament, David Ney traces the battle over Scripture during the Enlightenment period. For Hutchinson, critical scholarship's enchantment with the naturalism of Newton undermined the study of the Old Testament. As cultural forces reshaped biblical interpretation, Hutchinson spawned a movement that sought, above all, to reclaim the Old Testament as Christian Scripture. Hutchinson's followers sought to be shaped by Scripture, not culture. Rejecting the Newtonian degradation of history, they offered a compelling figural defense of the Old Testament's doctrinal and moral significance. The Old Testament is the voice of Providence. It is the means of discerning God's hand at work both in nature and in history. The Quest to Save the Old Testament is a timely retelling of fateful and faithful attempts to "save" the Old Testament.

The analysis of particular cases of the interplay of dramatic and fictional forms in this eighteenth-century landmark provides a perspective on theories of historical narrative as well as an illustration of the problems encountered by Enlightenment historians in finding a satisfactory literary vehicle."--BOOK JACKET.

Edward Gibbon's 'Historical Works, Memoirs & Letters' is a monumental collection that showcases the renowned historian's command over language and history. Gibbon's elegant prose and meticulous research in this collection provide readers with a profound insight into the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, a subject he is most celebrated for. Through his vivid descriptions and detailed analysis, Gibbon brings to life the events and characters that shaped the course of ancient history, making this collection a must-read for anyone interested in classical literature and historical narratives. Edward Gibbon, an English historian and Member of Parliament, was driven to write 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' out of a deep fascination with the rise and fall of civilizations. His lifelong dedication to historical research and writing is evident in this comprehensive collection, which includes not only his major historical work but also his personal memoirs and letters. Gibbon's commitment to scholarship and his enduring influence on historical studies make him a central figure in the field of literature and history. I highly recommend Edward Gibbon's 'Historical Works, Memoirs & Letters' to readers who seek to delve into the complexities of ancient history and appreciate the beauty of Gibbon's prose. This collection stands as a testament to Gibbon's lasting legacy as a historian and a writer, captivating readers with its rich historical detail and insightful commentary.

First to ninth reports, 1870-1883/84, with appendices giving reports on unpublished manuscripts in private collections; Appendices after v. [15a] pt. 10 issued without general title.

'Barbarism and Religion' - Edward Gibbon's own phrase - is the title of a sequence of works by John Pocock designed to situate Gibbon, and his Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, in a series of contexts in the history of eighteenth-century Europe. In the fourth volume in the sequence, first published in 2005, Pocock argues that barbarism was central to the history of western historiography, to the history of the Enlightenment, and to Edward Gibbon himself. As a concept it was deeply problematic to Enlightened historians seeking to understand their own civilised societies in the light of exposure to newly discovered civilisations which were, until then, beyond the reach of history itself.