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

Wonderful book, excellent reader

This is one of the coolest stories I have ever read, the author weaves a lot of historical detail into a very engaging plot. The reader's voice is excellent too and does not detract from the story. Excellent choice! This has murder, battles, political intrigue, betrayal, sex, spies, assassins...you name it, and it is in here.

The descriptions of Galligula as a child were my favourite parts...

Best Narration Ever!

I just wanted to comment that the narration of the book was amazing! The book is written in the first person, and the narrator really makes you feel like you are hearing the story from Claudius himself.

why can't I close these books?

for the life of me I can't get out of these books. how the he'll do I make it stop?

Very Enjoyable Listen

I wasn't expecting to get so engrossed in the story. Well read and a pleasant surprise for a historical book.

if you love roman history, you'll love this book

the most unique and entertaining way to present Roman history from the days of Augusts until the end of Caligula's rule. I could not stop listening

Historical fiction at its best

Any additional comments?

I, Claudius did so many things right: getting under the skin of the people of the time, bathing in the uniqueness of the time period, maintaining an honest depiction of the cultural milieu.

Enjoyable history

That was fun! This is the story of Claudius, told in the first person singular. Since he was limping, deaf in one ear and a very sickly child he was not going to partake much in the very physical undertakings of his time, but became a scholar instead. He takes us on his side by claiming that only he is telling the truth. Well, during the course of the book we might develop our own sense on how indeed he skews the facts. Nevertheless we get a great insight into the dealings and intrigues of Roman society under the ceasars, and never a dull moment while we're at it.

Don’t forget the next book

I loved the book so I looked it up online and discovered that there’s more so I just bought the second Graves book on Claudius. I’ll let you know how it is. It gets great reviews

Intrigue and tyranny, skillfully narrated

Where does I, Claudius rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I, Claudius is probably the best work of historical fiction I have read yet.

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

Watching the various threads of conspiracy and coincidence leading up to inevitable tragedy is both exciting and poignant.

What about Nelson Runger’s performance did you like?

Nelson Runger does a great job of reflecting the sometimes bitter, sometimes wryly humourous style of "Claudius", with an engaging tone that is easy to listen to.

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

Three emperors' worth of intrigue and infamy!

An amazing classic.

Highly recommend. The narration is excellent and the story is superb. I've read this book several times and I've enjoyed it every time as much as the first. Try it out. If you're a fan of history, I think you'll love it.