The Fall Of The WestThe Fall of the Roman Empire has been a bestselling subject since the 18th century. Until very recently, the academic view embarrassedly downplayed the violence and destruction in an attempt to provide a more urbane account of late antiquity. Barbarian invasions were mistakenly described as the movement of peoples. It was all painfully tame and civilised. But now Adrian Goldsworthy comes forward with his trademark combination of clear narrative,