An inquiry into the permanent causes of the decline and fall of powerful and wealthy nations : Designed to shew how the prosperity of the British empire may be prolonged

The work opens with a sweeping overview of how once‑great powers— from ancient Babylon and Greece to the Hanseatic League—have faded into poverty and disorder. Using a series of detailed charts, the author sketches the rise and fall of these civilizations, arguing that wealth is fleeting while the misery of decline is far more severe. He frames the inquiry as a practical concern for any nation that has achieved power, noting that preserving prosperity may be more urgent than seeking further expansion.

Built on the statistical insights of the early 1800s, the book blends historical narrative with quantitative analysis, offering readers a clear method for identifying the “permanent causes” behind national decline. Though grounded in the context of the British Empire, the observations are presented as universal lessons, inviting listeners to consider how trade, governance, and public habits shape a nation’s long‑term fortunes. The tone remains measured and scholarly, aiming to equip readers with ideas for extending a country’s period of affluence.