I, Claudius | Fresh-Read Kills | July 4, 2023

Wherein I discuss my most recent read. #booktube

BOOK DISCUSSED
I, Claudius by Robert Graves

CHANNEL MENTIONED
@BookTimewithElvis

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[denniscahill]

Claudius the God was exceptional, also. As was the Masterpiece Theater (I think) broadcast a mini-series on both -- Derek Jacoby's breakthrough...Also exellent

[BookTimewithElvis]

Glad you enjoyed it. I thought it was great and I'm looking forward to Claudius the God.

[veryliterarykari]

Yes!! The quips about historians were great! 😆

[ypoque]

The thing about Graves is that a lot of his ancient hisory novels were influenced by his theory of poetry as outlined in his book The White Goddess. His theory was quite sincerely held and he did try to get archeologists interested but was ultimately unsuccessful in this. He was a very well-read man and these readings inform his books. This is particularly apparent in his books based on ancient history like King Jesus, Belisarius and Homers Daughter. His more contemporary works not so much. Wife to Mr Milton has in its opening a beautiful description of a twelveth-night party in the period prior to the English Civil war. He also wrote a couple of books set in the American War of Independance, based on the letters of one Sergent Lamb who served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers (his old regiment from Goodbye To All That). His book 7 years in New Crete borders on being science fiction.

[StephanieJCohen]

I really enjoyed it too. The historian bits and the last part was really funny - when he’s hiding in the room with the busts of the famous historians. I think he definitely made Claudius sympathetic on the whole. Will be interesting to see the take in Claudius the God.

[LiterateTexan]

I've always meant to read this one, but I don't even own a copy of it. I never even saw the miniseries, but everyone I know loved it, too.

[DDB]

I've only read Graves memoir (Goodbye to All That) and have always wanted to read this, but was never sure about it. Shame I missed the group read.

[MriInterocitor]

I’ve always liked the idea of spoiler warnings for history. Still do. :)

[Leebearify]

I have about 20 pages left to read of this book. I really found it excellent. There were lots of things that I found historically true. To your comment about daily life in Rome during this time have you happened to read Mary Beard SPQR ? Plus she has another titled something like "Dailey life in Rome". You are right a comparison would be interesting. I was amazed at how many people were killed over nothing.

[marcelhidalgo]

Have you read Augustus by John Williams?