The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776-88). PMM 222. Vols I-III are in the translation by Leclerc de Septchênes, who had been tutor to the Dauphin (became king as Louis XVI in 1774). The first ébauche of his translation appeared as a 12mo volume in 1776, reputedly translated with the assistance of his royal pupil. He sent a copy to Gibbon, who replied with great praise and enthusiasm (Dec.1776; Letters II, 131) and offered, if he were sent the proofs, to make observations on the continuation; he also wonders if his chapters 15-16 [on Christianity] could be published in France. De Septchênes did continue, publishing 3 vols 8vo in 1776, of which this set contains the second edition. Given Gibbon's involvement, this is plainly a significant text. Vol.III ends with chaps. 15-16, prefaced with the words: “Le Traducteur n'a pas entendu, dans les Chapitres suivans, adopter tous les principes de l'Auteur, qui est Protestant.” The other vols, translated by A.S.M.Cantwell (IV-XI), unattributed (XII), D.M.[Demeunier?] revised by A.M.H.Boulard, are the first editions in French. Norton 81; Miss Norton gives a detailed history of the translation at p.119 ff. £750