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Summary: The Sopranos of Ancient Rome
Review: Apparently the violence of Italian culture hasn't changed a lot in the last 2000 years. The characters in these books (I, Claudius and Claudius the God are really just one long story) seem to spend most of their time either plotting to kill, killing, being killed, or avoiding being killed. With all that, no wonder the Roman Empire eventually fell--who had time to rule?But, this is a genuinely powerful book, and one that should be read at least once. Even though it is fictionalized, it certainly gives a feel for what the time must have been like. And it's a ripping good yarn, as well. Immerse yourself.
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Summary: Gossipy, Historical, Fun for Whole Dysfunctional Family
Review: Robert Graves' I, Claudius (From the Autobiography of Tiberius Claudius) is a wonderful and entertaining read. He took the most gossipy tidbits from such classical writers as Tacitus and Suetonius (and there is much to choose from) and formed it into a very readable, much fun account of the early life of the emperor Claudius. The author's skill was in making this account equally entertaining for the student of classical history and the reader who could not care less for that period of time. Everyone will be seduced by this murderous and lecherous cast of characters. It is soap opera on a grand and glorious scale.
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Summary: A classic of British literature
Review: This cautionary tale of the corrosive influence of power remains (along with the sequel, "Claudius the God") one of the towering achievements of English literature. For anyone concerned that Roman history is boring or irrelevant, rest assured this novel will convince you otherwise. Graves covers the period from Augustus Caesar through the reigns of Tiberius and Caligula, and concludes with Claudius' murder. Along the way, one hears all the conniving and treachery one expects - some of it quite ingenious and even funny. However, there is also the very troubling betrayal of the republican ideals which Rome once exemplified and which Claudius himself shared. Following on the heels of two abysmal and gluttonous emperors, Claudius accomplishes several notable feats (the Romanization of Britain, the construction of Ostia harbor and aqueducts), but these achievements also keep him from returning the empire to the people - a decision that leads to his ultimate death and the ascension of Nero. Considering that the novels were written in the late 30s, this story of corruption, tyranny and dictatorship masquerading as good government is particularly chilling. Its relevancy continues unabated for anyone passionate about democracy.
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Summary: What they really should've taught in history 101...
Review: I was introduced to Robert Graves through the work of Gene Wolfe, whom I noticed was a fan of I, Claudius. So I gathered my wits and a mug of coffee, and proceeded to read the book. Frankly, most of the events of Claudius' life are astonishing, from a scheming Livia to a decadent Caligula, depicted almost surrealistically. Yet Roman history attests for all that happened and more. The writing is vivid and insightful, neither too urbane nor witty for its own sake. Exellent prose, and an exellent story which could only be played out by real human actors and their machinations.
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Summary: Peerless historical novel
Review: Probably the greatest historical novel I have ever read. Julian by Gore Vidal is up there as well, though of course "I, Claudius" is the model on which it is based. He puts flesh to the accounts of Tacitus. Wonderful stuff. Lying may be a sin, but poor taste in literature is a greater sin.
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Summary: Brilliant story
Review: "I, Claudius" is a way for us to know what life in Ancient Rome was really like. Also, it constrasts sharply with most other accounts of Claudius Caesar's reign, so it is interesting to compare them.
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Summary: A Brilliant, Intriguing "Autobiography" - Wonderful
Review: I, Claudius one of the most wonderfully written, inspired, and entertaining books that I have read. The basis for the book-Roman Politics-is a serious topic, but one which Graves is able to artfully weave into his story of mystery, betrayal, and triumph in an unobtrusive way. The depth and scope of Graves' research into his characters and settings is evident from the biography's first page and gives each chapter an historical texture that fools the reader into believing he or she is actually reading the words of an emperor two-thousand years dead-incredible. For its history, its characters, its intelligence, its wit, and most notably, its story, I, Claudius is nothing less than incredible.
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Summary: An excellent historical novel which revivifies Rome
Review: I, CLAUDIUS is a remarkable novel. Charting the early years of the Roman Empire and Claudius' unexpected elevation to the throne, I, CLAUDIUS animatedly protrays characters which in the historical record seem flat and sketchy. Livia Augusta, as a reviewer below mentioned, is a vicious and terrifying antagonist for many of the characters, and Graves truly gives her life. Although it admittedly does take about 100 pages to really get started, Robert Graves' smooth prose flows well. Upon reaching the last years of Tiberius and the wacky reign of the totally insane Caligula, the reader is gripped by the story. Claudius himself remains a bit of a mystery, a passive observer who wisely stays out of much of the action (saving his life) but who always keeps an objective and historian-minded viewpoint. Even if one does not know much about the history of Rome, this novel is still as entertaining as it is for the classics major. I would recommend I, CLAUDIUS to anyone.
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Summary: Great, but some complaints
Review: I loved this book. I also loved the series. It shows Rome as it was, and doesn't center too much on detail (which can be good- but would not be good in this book because it would go on forever). It had amazing characters. The one problem I did have with the book and the series was Livilla. Maybe it's because I'm a huge Rocky Horror Picture Show fan so I love Patricia Quinn to death. Who knows? I don't she was portrayed correctly. It made her seem evil. But in Rome, you never know. A lot of evil has to do with society. For instance, the only reason she framed P. Agripper (Shut up, I can't spell. Just humor me) was this: she would have been banished. There is no dispute over that. But, of course, P. Agripper would have been left alone, maybe scolded. As we saw, Augustus did not seem to mind that they had had sex. But it was assumed that he would NOT have forgiven Livilla. It's human nature; a thing most of us (although we won't admit it) would have done. After that, it nonchalantly justifies Castor hitting her and giving her a black eye. If he did this whenever he was mad, then I could see how she would have been tramatized enough to a) commit adultery with P. Agripper and Sejanus and b) kill him. I would. I don't think it's justified, but, again, it's human nature. At the end of the second book she is killed. Is this justified? No. Is it human nature? No. Why should it be human nature to kill your daughter? But it is looked on as justified. The thing to remember in these books is this: the fine line between justice and human nature. In today's world, she might not even be incriminated. Why? For the human nature factor. Juries forgive under that. Why? Because it's human nature.
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Summary: archetypal historical novel
Review: Robert Graves is one of the few writers to put an entry on both the Top 100 Fiction and Top 100 Non-Fiction lists (Modern Library Top 100). His WWI memoir Goodbye to All That made the latter list; his excellent historical novel I, Claudius made this one. The great task facing any writer of historical fiction is to render his subjects accessible to a modern reader without sacrificing the authenticity of his period setting. Graves set a standard for other authors to shoot for with I Claudius. His Claudius manages to speak to us in a voice that we can readily comprehend even as we are transported to the Rome of the Caesars. Claudius, afflicted with numerous physical ailments, seemed to his peers to be something of an idiot. Graves makes the case that these very infirmities, and the underestimation of his abilities by all but Augustus, enabled him to survive the mayhem and bloodshed of the reigns of his predecessors. Upon Caligula's assassination, Claudius was elevated to emperor almost as a joke, but he turned out to be one of the most capable of the Roman Emperors. Graves tells the story of the years leading up to his ascension to the throne with great wit and verve in this archetypal historical novel. GRADE: A+
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