Memoirs of My Life
In 'Memoirs of My Life', Edward Gibbon, the renowned historian, takes readers on a captivating journey through his life and the tumultuous times of the 18th century. With a keen eye for detail and a wit that sparks intrigue, Gibbon narrates his experiences from a childhood in a wealthy English family to his pivotal role in shaping historical narratives. He reflects on the philosophical ideas of his time, the struggles of his contemporaries, and the complexities of human nature. Each chapter unfolds fascinating anecdotes that reveal the man behind the monumental work, 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.' This memoir not only entertains but also leaves readers pondering the lessons of history and the impact of one’s life on the broader human story.
By Edward Gibbon
Published: 1984
"The great source of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Edward Gibbon was one of the world's greatest historians and a towering figure of his age. When he died in 1794 he left behind the unfinished drafts of his Memoirs, which were posthumously edited by his friend Lord Sheffield, and remain an astonishing portrait of a rich, full life. Recounting Gibbon's sickly childhood in London, his disappointment with an Oxford 'steeped in port and prejudice', his successful years in Lausanne, his first and only love affair and the monolithic achievement of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, he distils his genius for history into a remarkable gift for autobiography. Candid and detailed, these writings are filled with warmth and intellectual passion.
About the Author
Edward Gibbon
Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) was an English historian, politician, and member of the Parliament, best known for his seminal work, 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,' published in six volumes from 1776 to 1788. His meticulous scholarship and compelling narrative style marked a significant contribution to historical writing, blending rigorous research with a literary quality that captures the complexity of political and social upheaval. Gibbon's incisive analysis often focused on the influence of Christianity and the role of religion in the decline of the Roman state, making his work a foundational text in both history and criticism. His prose is characterized by its eloquence, wit, and a critical perspective that continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Edward Gibbon
- Published
- January 1984
- Publisher
- Penguin UK
- ISBN
- 0140432175
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 309
- Genres
- BiographyHistoryMemoirsHistorical Figures
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Autobiography of a Yogi
Yogananda (Paramahansa)
The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire
Edward Gibbon
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Malcolm X, Alex Haley
An Autobiography
Mohandas K. Gandhi
A Literary Companion to Science
Walter Bruno Gratzer
Handbook of Social Psychology, Volume 1
Susan T. Fiske, Daniel T. Gilbert, Gardner Lindzey
Nothing to Envy
Barbara Demick
Showing 8 of 29 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Meghan Markle's Book Recommendations
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is an American actress, humanitarian, and author known for her role as Rachel Zane on the television series "Suits." After marrying Prince Harry in 2018, she became a prominent figure in the British royal family and an advocate for social justice and women's rights. In 2021, she published her first children's book, "The Bench," which explores the bond between fathers and sons through a mother's eyes. Markle's literary work reflects her commitment to storytelling and her passion for fostering empathy and understanding. Beyond literature, she co-founded the Archewell Foundation with Prince Harry to promote compassion and well-being globally.
View Collection
Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations
Jon Hamm is an American actor best known for his role as Don Draper in the critically acclaimed television series "Mad Men," which aired from 2007 to 2015. While Hamm's achievements are primarily in acting, his portrayal of the complex, enigmatic ad executive has been lauded for its depth and nuance, significantly impacting television storytelling. His performance earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Beyond "Mad Men," Hamm has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility across genres. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work has influenced contemporary narratives and character development in modern media.
View Collection
Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations
Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations
Oprah Winfrey is a globally renowned media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist. She gained fame through her groundbreaking talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which ran for 25 years and became one of the highest-rated programs in television history. Winfrey has significantly impacted literature through her influential book club, Oprah's Book Club, which has propelled numerous books to bestseller status and fostered a love of reading across diverse audiences. She is also the author of several books, including her memoir "The Life You Want," and has contributed to numerous inspirational and self-help publications. Beyond her literary contributions, Winfrey has been a powerful advocate for education and empowerment, founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
View Collection
Michelle Obama's Book Recommendations
Michelle Obama is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. She is widely recognized for her advocacy on issues such as education, military families, healthy eating, and poverty awareness. Her memoir, "Becoming," published in 2018, has been a global bestseller and acclaimed for its insightful and inspiring narrative. Michelle Obama has also launched initiatives like "Let’s Move!" to combat childhood obesity and the "Reach Higher" campaign to encourage higher education. Her work continues to influence and empower millions around the world.
View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 17 related collections
“The great source of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”
Memoirs of My Life
By Edward Gibbon
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
