I, Claudius

By: Robert Graves

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 16 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is one of the best historical novels ever written. Lame, stammering Claudius, once a major embarrassment to the imperial family and now emperor of Rome, writes an eyewitness account of the reign of the first four Caesars: the noble Augustus and his cunning wife, Livia; the reptilian Tiberius; the monstrous Caligula; and finally old Claudius himself and his wife, Messalina. Filled with poisonings, betrayal, and shocking excesses, I Claudius is history that rivals the most exciting contemporary fiction.

©1934, 1961 Robert Graves (P)1987 Recorded Books

Good Story, Well-read

It's astounding how horrible the Romans were. This book explains the reasons well and makes the listener, identifying with Claudius, feel safe from the violent family rivalries, since we know he's going to last until the end. Very entertaining.

Not very good history…

and somewhat tedious gossip. I wanted to love this book and having read the reviews I even felt obligated…to love this book. As such, I kept waiting for some kind of hook that would seize me...breadth of language, intricate plot, conceptual uniqueness....something! But to me this long soap opera of cruelty, treachery and murder as told by the self loathing protagonist (for me) never achieves what I’d hoped to encounter. I wish I could say otherwise because clearly the author identified with the subject and wished to impart - in an imaginative, fresh and provocative manner - the dysfunctional (to say the least) nuances of Imperial Rome’s ruling family. But I just didn’t get it. Maybe I should watch “Game of Thrones” and just confess a low-brow intellect.

When in Rome....watch out!

Would you listen to I, Claudius again? Why?

No. I would never listen to a book twice because life is too short - but the first time was great

Who was your favorite character and why?

I suppose that would be Claudius - just because he survived massively against the odds and used his wits to escape several incredibly close shaves. He became emperor even though he did not want it at all

Which scene was your favorite?

When Claudius interviewed his grandmother, the poisoner

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Original Stammerer

Great story, but possibly confusing

What did you love best about I, Claudius?

The overall story is great!

What was one of the most memorable moments of I, Claudius?

Describing the horrors of Tiberius and Caligula

What about Nelson Runger’s performance did you like?

His tone is very conversational. Not monotone but also not overly theatrical. Really great performance.

Any additional comments?

This was my first foray into historical fiction. I found it very confusing, especially the first third before the story really got going. I'm not really up on ancient Roman history, so it was hard to figure out what was real and what was fiction. Still not sure, tbh.

Not good history, but great historical fiction.

I enjoyed Graves work of historical fiction. His portrayal of Claudius is fun lighthearted and engaging. Though I'm still not convinced that Livia did it all.

Worth a listen

The story and the performance were great, but it's strange to me that they didn't follow the original chapter designations. That's why I gave it 4 stars

Classic and Timeless

The intrigue, brutality and constant shifting of the Roman Empire is told in words just as true today. No one was safe and evil abounds in this truth about the most intelligent and witty Caesar who found himself both ignored as an idiot and yet smart enough to live to become emperor.

just perfect!

i wish all audiobooks had only a bit of this one's brilliance. very good narrator, makes the story come alive..

Great Historical Fiction

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I certainly would. The author captures the intrigues of the court of ancient Rome in an awe inspiring way. Graves really makes you feel as though this is the voice of Claudius, while at the same time giving it a more pedestrian feel than actual ancient writings, which in my view can some times come off a little stiff. Also, I thought Runger did a great job with the narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of I, Claudius?

Any of the many moments where Livia weaves her intricate plots is a memorable moment.

A Roman Comedy

This is an amusing tale, which seeks to outline how Claudius became the unlikely emperor of Rome. Filled with multiple marriages, murders, and general mayhem, Graves engages the reader with the auto-biography of Claudius, who serves as both narrator and commentator of the events in the empire. The story drags initially as Claudius outlines his family history, especially how his grandmother became the wife of Augustus; however, once Claudius comes of an age where he and his brother, Germanicus, are actors in the realm, the story picks up dramatically. Of particular note is a wonderful scene between Claudius, a budding historian, and Livy and Polius (?) about what makes an engaging history. As one of the classics of 20th century literature, this text should be atop the list of most persons, especially those who enjoy witty and lively discussion about the interaction of politics, history, fate, and ambition.