"Nor will this scope of narrative," he says, "the riches and variety of these materials, be incompatible with the unity of design and composition.

As in his daily prayers the Mussulman of Fez or Delhi still turns his face towards the temple of Mecca, the historian's eye will always be fixed on the city of Constantinople." Then follows the catalogue of nations and empires whose fortunes he means to sing.

A grander vision, a more majestic procession, never swept before the mind's eye of poet or historian.
And the practical execution is worthy of the initial inspiration.
After a rapid and condensed narrative of Byzantine history till the end of the twelfth century, he takes up the brilliant theme of Mahomet and his successors.

A few pages on the climate and physical features of Arabia fittingly introduce the subject.

And it may be noted in passing that Gibbon's attention to geography, and his skill and taste for geographical description, are remarkable among his many gifts.