[From Dawn to Decadence] is arguably the best thinking man's bedside book ever written.?--Peter Green, "Times Literary Supplement"A stunning five-century study of civilization's cultural retreat."--William Safire, "New York Times""From Dawn to Decadence, in short, is peerless." --"New York Times Book Review"How many times in one's life does one get to welcome a masterpiece, which, without a doubt, this amazing work certainly is?" --"National Review"Likely -- I am tempted to say certain -- to become a classic."--William H. McNeill, "Los Angeles Times"Barzun writes with unfailing, stylish lucidity and enlivens his vast tale with ingenious devices." --"The New Yorker"[Barzun] restores color to faded memories of history and paints in the mural here bits were missing."--Sebastian Mallaby, "Washington Post Book World