Gibbon avoided these seductions.

If the _Decline and Fall_ has no superior in historical literature, it is not solely in consequence of Gibbon's profound learning, wide survey, and masterly grasp of his subject.

With wise discretion, he subordinated himself to his task.

The life of Gibbon is the less interesting, but his work remains monumental and supreme.
* * * * * ENGLISH MEN OF LETTERS.
EDITED BY JOHN MORLEY.
_These Short Books are addressed to the general public with a view both to stirring and satisfying an interest in literature and its great topics in the minds of those who have to run as they read.

An immense class is growing up, and must every year increase, whose education will have made them alive to the importance of the masters of our literature, and capable of intelligent curiosity as to their performances.