The Gibbon Controversy began in 1776 with the publication of the first volume of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire and has continued to the present. Gibbon stated that he believed an inseparable connection existed between the decline of the Roman Empire and the growth and triumph of the church. The present comprehensive account of the controversy reveals that it has been of larger proportions than has generally been known. Originally published in 1933. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.