I, Claudius

Robert Graves' "I, Claudius" remains a revered masterpiece and a benchmark for historical fiction. As Hilary Mantel notes, it's "sympathetic and intensely involving: a great feat of imagination". This captivating novel breathes life into the intrigues of ancient Rome, offering readers a gripping journey through one of history's most fascinating periods.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Claudius, a nobleman deemed a stammering fool by his family and scorned for his perceived weaknesses. Yet, it is from his unique vantage point that we witness the bloody purges and escalating cruelty of the imperial Roman dynasties. Claudius becomes our guide, chronicling the reigns of emperors from the shrewd Augustus and his scheming wife Livia to the tyrannical Tiberius and the unhinged Caligula.

Crafted as Claudius' autobiography, this novel marks the first instalment of Graves' brilliant exploration of the madness and debauchery that defined ancient Rome. As Barry Unsworth observes in his introduction, it's "an imaginative and hugely readable account of the early decades of the Roman Empire ... racy, inventive, often comic". The Daily Telegraph concurs, praising its blend of historical accuracy and narrative flair.

Step into the sandals of Claudius and experience the tumultuous world of imperial Rome in this enduring classic that continues to captivate readers with its vivid storytelling and meticulous historical detail.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9780141188591
Book Weight:	306g