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 reading of a bit limited storyline.

I remember being assigned the homework assignment back in my sophomore year of high school to watch the PBS Masterpiece Theater special adapted from this book. I honestly didn't remember much about that viewing and now I want to watch it again as I have a much better understanding of the time and personalities. The narrator really does a good job with a somewhat dry storyline. I was amazed at the antiquated explanations for behaviors and events. Worth a listen.

First person account lacks drama of PBS series

I was a big fan of the I Claudius mini-series and so wanted to hear the original book. The book is Claudius' first person account of his life so it loses much of the characterisation of the series. All of the scenes are here, they just have more life in the drama.

The reader is excellent and gets the tone spot on.

Claudius Tells All (almost)

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

Yes. Very good stories, and you feel as if Claudius is sitting with you telling you all about the crazy Julian-Claudio dynasty. There is certainly a lot of factual arguments you could make, but overall this is a great piece of historical fiction

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed how the self-deprecating Claudius explained how he bumbled into, and cleverly escaped situations...especially concerning his time with Caligula as emperor.

What does Nelson Runger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator was simply awesome! Again, you felt as if Claudius himself was sitting across from you telling you the most remarkable stories. I can't say enough good things!

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

How I Survived in the Courts of Madmen ... or some such thing.

Any additional comments?

The only drawback was that I wanted more. I was hoping to get a feel for some of Claudius' experiences once he donned the purple. After reflecting on it a few days though, I realized that the Claudius we get to know in the book wouldn't have wanted to make this about him in the end, so I'll accept it as is.

The exceptional life of Claudius

This was excellent. If you know what you're getting into than you will be quite satisfied. This is the definitive story for what is arguably the prime of the Roman story told through the eyes of one of its most interesting players. Claudius grew up with Augustus, was right there in the thick of it through the debauched reigns of Tiberius and Caligula, and would serve as empower himself. The audio book presented here is narated flawlessly. I suggest following up with the BBC miniseries.

Poisoned Again

Roman craziness. Just about the same story as today with different actors. In the end, most drama is the result of desire.

"Clau-clau-claudius shall speak clear"

What did you love best about I, Claudius?

I have read the novels, seen the miniseries, and have abridged versions of the audiobook, so there isn't anything that I don't love about Graves' novels. I've enjoyed them for decades. The characters are all well drawn and despite the careful attention to detail, the narrative doesn't get bogged down in them.

What other book might you compare I, Claudius to and why?

I Am Livia brings an interesting counter-perspective, but since it stops during the reign of Augustus, it doesn't have the panoramic sweep of the Graves novels. (And the well-meaning Livia in this novel isn't as much fun as the ambitious and murdering Livia in the Graves novels.)

What does Nelson Runger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He narrates beautifully, and it does make the denser parts of the novel much easier to understand.

Who was the most memorable character of I, Claudius and why?

Livia, because she is such a strong, smart and villainous woman. Her influence on the story continues after her death. My favorite character, though, is Calpurnia, the prostitute who is one of Claudius' few real friends. She is as politically savvy as Livia, but much more admirable.

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this book three times in a row and am listening to it again. It stands up quite well to Derek Jacobi's version.

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.

Nelson Runger makes this book readable

Runger’s narration made the reading of this novel readable. I was expecting more from the novel. Page after page of internecine war of monarchical hierarchy just became tiresome. Paranoia, schizophrenia, jealousy, power politics, murder, all the rest, and I asked myself, Is this all? Then now I have to read another lengthy volume to reach the ending now that I am invested in this story?

Entertains and informative

Very well done performance and interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about history in a entertaining manner

Had to hear it all twice in a row

I've owned the book for years and didn't get to it. I bought the audiobook because it was unabridged and a classic and well-reviewed. Read with restraint and accuracy, this production of I, Claudius, was just right for me.