Description
“I, Claudius” is a historical novel written by English author Robert Graves. It was first published in 1934 and is part of Graves’s two-novel series about ancient Rome, the other being “Claudius the God,” published in 1935.
The novel is presented as an autobiographical memoir written by Roman Emperor Claudius, who ruled from 41 to 54 AD. Claudius describes the political intrigues, conspiracies, and scandals that occurred during the Julio-Claudian dynasty, covering the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius himself.
The narrative is framed as a personal account written by Claudius, who is often considered an unlikely ruler due to his physical disabilities and stammer. However, he proves to be a shrewd and intelligent observer of the Roman political scene, providing insights into the lives of the emperors and the power struggles within the Roman elite.
“I, Claudius” has been praised for its historical accuracy, vivid characterization, and engaging narrative style. The novel was adapted into a successful television series of the same name in 1976, starring Derek Jacobi as Claudius. The series received critical acclaim and introduced a new audience to Graves’s portrayal of the tumultuous history of ancient Rome.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.