false 18766 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1212387848m/18766.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1212387848s/18766.jpg
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. Amazon.com]]> 18765 50 4232388 book 1934 I, Claudius: From the Autobiography of Tiberius Claudius, Born 10 B.C., Murdered & Deified A.D. 54 total:3223|5:1536|4:1194|3:405|2:65|1:23| 3223 13824 4744 304 3012988 4.17 6797 683 59979 5154 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.30 2948 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 2 false Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2005 Tue Feb 20 04:17:32 -0800 2007 Tue Feb 20 04:32:25 -0800 2007 more...]]> 17055675 425549 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 4 1 false Wed Mar 26 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Wed Mar 05 02:49:57 -0800 2008 Mon Mar 31 02:13:05 -0700 2008
Julius Ca...more...]]> 13792300 842381 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 1 false Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Mon Jan 28 00:24:12 -0800 2008 Mon Jan 28 01:45:54 -0800 2008 more...]]> 1670813 115473 18766 0394725360 9780394725369 16 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1212387848m/18766.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1212387848s/18766.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18766.I_Claudius 4.19 113
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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 2 1 false Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2005 Tue Jun 05 05:36:38 -0700 2007 Wed Dec 16 20:44:43 -0800 2009 more...]]> 7275067 171951 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 4 2 false Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007 Thu Oct 04 16:27:48 -0700 2007 Mon Dec 31 01:10:12 -0800 2007
Based on historical fact, the author brilliantly brings an...more...]]> 9572386 90660 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 1 false Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007 Mon Nov 26 15:52:27 -0800 2007 Tue Nov 27 19:47:01 -0800 2007 The Sopranos; it's all about the family, there's murder, conspiracy, adultery... I'll admit, with the amount of young adult novels I read, the text was a little slow going at first. It reminded me of One Hundred Years of Solitudein ...more...]]> 17678408 990817 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 1 false Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2006 Thu Mar 13 10:29:24 -0700 2008 Thu Mar 13 12:20:49 -0700 2008 more...]]> 13045256 761281 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 1 false Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 1990 Mon Jan 21 07:55:02 -0800 2008 Mon Jan 21 08:05:37 -0800 2008
Graves claimed that th...more...]]> 2711893 81376 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 1 false Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 -0800 1999 Wed Jul 04 11:35:47 -0700 2007 Wed Dec 16 23:37:36 -0800 2009 I, Claudius is one of my favoritest books of all time. Since I just finished watching Rome: Season 1 on DVD, I figured I'd re-read the book that picks up where it left off. Now, I have the tail end of Season 2 to help me visualize Graves first few chapters - although there's definitely some confli...more...]]> 49131795 239699 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 4 0 false Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009 Fri Mar 13 04:45:23 -0700 2009 Fri Mar 13 04:45:49 -0700 2009 more...]]> 80401260 865173 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 0 false Wed Dec 09 07:42:46 -0800 2009 Wed Dec 09 07:55:07 -0800 2009 more...]]> 61063947 1200518 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 3 0 false Wed Jun 24 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Thu Jun 25 09:21:55 -0700 2009 Thu Jun 25 09:22:23 -0700 2009 more...]]> 53261130 563852 3155400 0394608119 9780394608112 1 http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-111x148.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3155400.I_Claudius 4.33 3 Claudius the God. ]]> 1934 4 0 false Sun Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Sun Apr 19 15:27:45 -0700 2009 Sun Apr 19 16:14:00 -0700 2009 more...]]> 53095742 750368 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 0 false Fri Apr 17 22:51:14 -0700 2009 Fri Apr 17 22:51:50 -0700 2009
This ambitious novel took me about 5 days to finish, not because it’s a dud to go through, but because it impressed on me, as the saying goes, “too much information,” that I often found myself needing to take bre...more...]]> 28194235 1358371 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 2 false Sun Aug 10 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Thu Jul 24 14:43:37 -0700 2008 Sun Aug 17 15:15:17 -0700 2008 Claudius the God in the near future.

My favorite bit was when a character appeared ...more...]]> 76243093 2893855 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 0 false Fri Oct 30 15:06:23 -0700 2009 Tue Nov 03 14:32:38 -0800 2009 more...]]> 43641515 1915313 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 3 0 false Mon Feb 02 00:00:00 -0800 2009 Mon Jan 19 18:02:54 -0800 2009 Mon Feb 02 06:58:42 -0800 2009 more...]]> 40438050 1265056 480699 0140003185 9780140003185 10 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1175112379m/480699.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1175112379s/480699.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/480699.I_Claudius 4.17 78 Claudius the God. ]]> 1934 5 0 false Sun Dec 28 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Thu Dec 18 23:41:26 -0800 2008 Sun Dec 28 02:56:25 -0800 2008 Whether this is true or not in Robert Grave's I, Claudius it doesn't really matte...more...]]> 76691061 2445523 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 0 false Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 1979 Wed Nov 04 08:17:02 -0800 2009 Thu Nov 05 07:44:08 -0800 2009 more...]]> 37523800 1485538 18765 067972477X 9780679724773 266 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189m/18765.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167094189s/18765.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18765.I_Claudius 4.29 3223 Considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the Mad Caligula to become emperor in 41 A.D. Historical novel set in 1st-century-AD Rome by Robert Graves, published in 1934. The book is written as an autobiographical memoir by Roman emperor Claudius. Physically weak, afflicted with stammering, and inclined to drool, Claudius is an embarrassment to his family and is shunted to the background of imperial affairs. The benefits of his seeming ineffectuality are twofold: he becomes a scholar and historian, and he is spared the worst cruelties inflicted on the imperial family by its own members during the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Palace intrigues and murders surround him. Claudius' informal narration serves to emphasize the banality of the imperial family's endless greed and lust. The story concludes with Claudius ascending to the imperial throne. A sequel, Claudius, the God and His Wife Messalina (1935), covers Claudius' years as Roman emperor.

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. Amazon.com]]> 1934 5 1 false Fri Dec 05 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Wed Nov 12 10:12:38 -0800 2008 Wed Dec 10 17:13:25 -0800 2008 once so far
People treated Caludius as if he was an idiot because he stammered and drooled -- though behind that sorry face was an intelligent, highly educated, compassionate and sensitive person who felt deeply the rejections of the people swirling so ...more...]]> 8 http://www.goodreads.com/book_link/follow/8?book_id=18766