Gibbon was an English historian, writer, and a member of the English parliament.  He is most well known for his historical account of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

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Gibbon came from a fairly well off family, allowing him to attend many good schools, including a boarding school. Due to this, he was a well read man, leading him to a career in writing. One of his early works was on the history of Switzerland, however, he never finished it due to self-criticism.  It was only published after his death upon discovery.

He then moved on to write Memoires Litteraires de la Grande Bretagne, which focused on English literature and society. This once again, didn't go to Hume's plan, as many seen it as not of any worth.

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It took many years and many finished an unfinished works, before he published the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. This six volume set did not only cover the history of the Roman Empire but also gave an explanation for its ruin.