Gibbon "Decline & Fall Roman Empire" (6 Volumes) Diocletian Ed, Copy #9, c. 1900

TITLE: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Complete 6-Volume Set)

AUTHOR: Edward Gibbon

EDITION: Diocletian Edition De Luxe — Strictly Limited to 1,000 Numbered Sets

THIS COPY: Copy No. 9 (Highly Collectible, Single-Digit Low Number!)

PUBLISHER: John D. Morris & Company, Philadelphia (c. 1900)

OVERVIEW: 

A stunning, highly collectible complete 6-volume set of Edward Gibbon's timeless classic, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." This is the prestigious "Diocletian Edition De Luxe," heavily sought after for its exhaustive annotations and historical footnotes compiled by Dean Milman, M. Guizot, and Dr. William Smith. 

What makes this specific set extraordinarily rare is its limitation number: **Copy No. 9 out of only 1,000 sets ever printed.** Single-digit sets like this were typically reserved for the publisher's inner circle, VIP subscribers, or early review copies, making it a true centerpiece for any serious antiquarian book collection.

BINDING & DESIGN:

- Deluxe 3/4 premium brown textured leather over elegant reddish-pink marbled boards.

- Ornate gilt (gold leaf) decorative tooling and lines on the spines.

- Classic raised spine bands with clear, bright gilt lettering ("Gibbon's Rome").

- Traditional untrimmed deckle edges (rough-cut side and bottom edges), providing a beautiful, authentic period presentation highly prized by antiquarian collectors.

- Hand-bound corners and premium period styling.

HISTORICAL PROVENANCE:

This set features a beautiful, clean ownership timeline penned directly onto the preliminary pages, tracking its history across a century:

1. Originally owned by James B. Kilham (with his elegant turn-of-the-century fountain pen signature and a "6 Volumes" notation).

2. Subsequently acquired, signed, and dated by Harold M. Smith in 1923.

CONDITION REPORT:

Interior: Excellent. The pages are crisp, remarkably clean, and tightly bound. The untrimmed deckle edges show natural, light age-toning but remain structurally sound with no heavy fraying, deep chips, or tears to the text. No brittle edges, foxing, or loose text blocks.

Exterior: Very good antique condition. Spines display beautifully with vibrant gold tooling. The antique leather exhibits light surface powdery wear/pigment transfer upon handling; recommended to handle with care or consider applying a leather conditioner. The leather corners are structurally sound with minor, expected shelf swear on the edges. 

 (Please review all high-resolution photos to see the exact condition of the covers, spines, deckle edges, limit number, and historical signatures).*

SHIPPING & HANDLING:

This heavy multi-volume set will be packed with the utmost care using professional-grade bubble wrap and a heavy-duty box to ensure safe transit. Shipped promptly via trackable USPS Media Mail (or your choice of expedited carrier at checkout).