I, Claudius
by Robert Graves · first published 1934
68% recommend32% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Historical fiction that makes Roman imperial history vivid and readable through narrative and dialogue, staying faithful to major events. Suits readers who find history books dry and want an immersive story.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus lived from 10 B.C. to 54 A.D. Despised as a weakling and considered an idiot because of his physical infirmities, Claudius survived the intrigues and poisonings of the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the mad Calgula to become emperor in 41 A.D. I, Claudius is written in the form of Claudius' autobiography and is one of the classics of modern fiction, the best fictional reconstruction of Rome ever written. --back cover
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Best that I've read: I Claudius, by Robert Graves.
on “The best books on assassinations” ↗…book on multiple cassettes. They arrived in a cardboard box after requesting them through an 800 number. The rental was for thirty days. The two that stand out from that time are both by Robert Graves: I, Claudius and Claudius the God. It was such an immersive experience into the Roman Empire that it made my long commute not only bearable but an anticipated joy. Both books are available on Audible by a different…
on “Ask HN: What are the best audiobooks you have ever listened to?” ↗I, Claudius by Robert Graves is fascinating and very readable. One of the greatest examples of historical fiction. All of the major events of the book are historically accurate, and Graves just brings them to life…
on “Battle of Alesia” ↗I strongly second this recommendation! These books are incredibly detailed and fun to read. Another comment mentioned I, Claudius, which is also excellent.
on “Battle of Alesia” ↗I’m reading the sequel to Robert Grave’s classic, I, Claudius. In it, Cæsar Claudius describes the Imperial Senate’s process of proactive prostration. The Emperor never requests favours. Instead, ambitious Senators must guess his desires and offer them to him,…
on “Sam Altman tells staff there’s no plan for him to receive ‘giant equity stake’” ↗The Selfish Gene (Richard Dawkins) I, Claudius (Robert Graves)
on “Ask YC: favorite books” ↗"I, Claudius" was one of the most amusing and interesting books I've read.
on “Robert Graves' Mythologies” ↗…be declared a subversive and censored. You might find it instructive to examine the history of ancient Rome around the time of Nero and Caligula. If you find history books dry reading, get a copy of 'I, Claudius' which presents the history of that period in narrative form and is both educational and entertaining. This is not to say that opposition to a tyrannical government is hopeless - indeed, history with…
on “North Korea Changes Currency” ↗Those were some show dogs. I Claudius and Claudius The God were the first books that made the Romans come alive for me. I honestly never knew he was known for poetry, and this article makes me want to go take a look.
on “Robert Graves: The Reluctant First World War Poet” ↗…glowingly literary fiction you're likely to read! This was Graves' idea of making a quick buck by dashing off a potboiler, btw: > Graves stated in an interview with Malcolm Muggeridge in 1965, that he wrote I, Claudius mainly because he needed the money to pay off a debt, having been let down in a land deal. He needed to raise £4000, but with the success of the books he brought in £8000 in six months, thus extricating…
on “The best books on assassinations” ↗…writing became when I removed them. Also, read anything by Robert Graves. He did write a style guide called "The Reader Over Your Shoulder", but that's optional; I learned far more about good writing from "I, Claudius" and "Good-Bye to All That".
on “Ask HN: How do you improve your writing?” ↗Watching? I just finished reading “I, Claudius” and “Cladius the God” this month. Didn’t know there was a series / movie, would you recommend it? (I highly recommend the books FWIW, although I prefer the more modern writing style of the Cicero trilogy)
on “Show HN: I am building a map of people who lived in the Roman Empire” ↗Having trouble following names? Read I Claudius.
on “Dostoyevsky Isn't Difficult” ↗…Forty Years in Politics by David Axelrod 6. The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells 7. Augustus: First Emperor of Rome by Adrian Goldsworthy 8. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (re-read) 9. I, Claudius by Robert Graves 10. Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks 11. The Fear Index by Robert Harris 12. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris (re-read) 13. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (re-read) 14. Hannibal…
on “Ask HN: What books have you read in the first half of 2016?” ↗Reading various biographies! Some of the books on my list are: The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí Doctor Goebbels: His Life and Death I, Claudius by Robert Graves The Agony and the Ecstasy Lust for Life Carl Jung Memories, Dreams and Reflections. Stephen King - On Writing
on “Ask HN: What are you learning?” ↗