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I, Claudius  By  cover art

I, Claudius

By: Robert Graves
Narrated by: Nelson Runger
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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

What listeners say about I, Claudius

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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
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  • 2 Stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great historical fiction.

if you love the classic TV show you should read the book. Now on to Claudius the God.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

It was ok..

I heard good things about this book only to be slightly disappointed. The narration has zero complaints but the story was just ok. I was hoping for a more in the present moment point of view rather than a historical summary of past events.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Astounding

Once you get past the first couple of introductory chapters, every chapter thereafter is like a season of Game of Thrones. The novel is densely packed with acts of treachery, betrayal, subterfuge, depravity, debauchery, comedy, and wanton disregard for human life. If there is a better work of historical fiction, I haven't found it.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Not worth your money.

This is probably the worst audible book I have ever listened to. I'm not sure what is supposedly so good about this novel, it's like listening to someone read a dictionary or phone book out loud. The narration seems ok for the person he's supposed to be speaking as, but there's no story here it's just recital of this and that.

Definitely underwhelming compared to how it's built up as such a masterpiece in my opinion.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting history of early Roman Empire

This was an interesting book. Gave me a overview of the first years of the Roman Empire. Claudius has a unique perspective on history and he’s very interested in the details because he is a historian himself.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

historically informative, but not entertaining

spoiler: Someone recommended this book knowing that I loved The Count of Monte Cristo. So many awful things happen to Claudius's family, and you expect some great vengeful plot to redeem him, but he just sort of survives.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fun book

I really liked this book, and learned a little history to boot!
Now I want to read as to how the protagonist was corrupted after his ascent.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

not completely historically accurate but fun.

I'm a big fan of the 1972 BBC serial of the same name. it's written in the language of swaytonus. Don't mind the spelling, whom was famous for his histories including a lot of kitchen gossip. Robert Graves did these people justice. however it isn't historically accurate, but what a fun read, and a look into political intrigue.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Narrator doesn't pronounce names correctly

I wish another narrator would have read this fantastic book. This narrator almost ruins the book messing up names like Actium, Phoenician, Piso, Aggrapina and So many more. I'm American but you're the type of American who never had a foreign language but if you did, you never made an effort to pronounce words correctly. Seriously... who chose the guy to read this classic book? Who let this guy get away with pronouncing names with his pure Midwest American accent? It's hurting my ears, he's so bad. I can't wait to finish this Audible title and this is a book I wish I could listen to repeatedly but I find myself yelling at my kindle the correct pronunciation of names. Whoever hired this uneducated novice should be fired. How does anyone get AC TI UM wrong????? wow this guy is bad and it keeps getting worse.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed very much.

I will listen again. There is so much information I know I will enjoy again. This needs 5 stars on the whole story because of the in-depth of history. The performance of the narrator made you feel you were there. Overall was informing. Thanks, Darlene

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