THE ROMAN HISTORY, from the foundation of the city of Rome, to the destruction of the Roman Empire. In two volumes.

Two volumes, 8vo, pp. [ii], x, 487, [1] blank, [14] index; [ii], v, [i], 501, xi index; some spotting in volume II, else a good solid copy in contemporary half calf, strongly rebacked. First edition, many times reprinted in subsequent decades. Goldsmith was commissioned by Tom Davies to produce this summary history, at the beginning of 1768, and was paid 250gns for the task. His preface's modesty is rich in historical irony: 'There are some subjects on which a writer must decline all attempts to acquire fame, satisfied with being obscurely useful'. In view of the achievement of Edward Gibbon, another member of The Club, beginning just seven years later, one may regard that as a classic error. Williams pp. 145-6.