I, Claudius - Softcover

Graves, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0394725360 ISBN 13: 9780394725369

Publisher: Vintage, 1977

Synopsis

I, Claudius" is Robert Graves' riveting account of Ancient Rome in all its madness and debauchery. First published in 1934, and written in the form of Claudius' autobiography, it endures as one of literature's most celebrated and compelling historical novels. Abhorred by his weakness and viewed by his family as little more than a stammering fool, the nobleman Claudius quietly survives the cruelties, bloody purges and intrigues of the imperial Roman dynasties. From the sidelines he observes the reigns of its emperors: from the wise Augustus and his wicked wife Livia to the sadistic Tiberius and the excellent Caligula. "I, Claudius" paints a vivid, sometimes funny, picture of the ancient world, highlighting the complexities and politics inherent in Empire-building. Read by Derek Jacobi, one of Britain's best-loved stage and screen actors who famously appeared in the BBC series of "I, Claudius".

About this title

Review:

Having never seen the famous 1970s television series based on Graves' historical novel of ancient Rome and being generally uneducated about matters both ancient and Roman, I wasn't prepared for such an engaging book. But it's a ripping good read, this fictional autobiography set in the Roman Empire's days of glory and decadence. As a history lesson, it's fabulous; as a novel it's also wonderful. Best is Claudius himself, the stutterer who let everyone think he was an idiot (to avoid getting poisoned) but who reveals himself in the narrative to be a wry and likable observer. His story continues in Claudius the God.

From the Publisher:

12 1.5-hour cassettes

About this edition

• Publisher: Vintage
• Publication date: 1977
• ISBN 10: 0394725360
• ISBN 13: 9780394725369
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 433