I, Claudius

By: Robert Graves

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi

Here is a major new recording and the riveting account of Ancient Rome in all its madness and debauchery.

The politics of empire-building and the hypocrisies, back-stabbings, and corruptions of Rome's first family come to light. First published in 1934, the book retains a marvelously modern and often comic tone, and is written in the form of Claudius' autobiography. This is gripping stuff, read by one of our finest actors, who also starred as Claudius in the classic television series.

©2007 CSA Telltapes Ltd. (P)2007 CSA Telltapes Ltd.

Very much abridged, but still good

Derek Jacobi performs this well, and made it a pleasurable listen. Being an abridged recording, it does leave out a lot, but covers the story up until Claudius is made emperor, which is where it stops. That was my only disappointment. The unabridged story continues on quite a bit longer, and I was hoping this recording would cover that material.

I suppose Derek Jacobi would have been too expensive to have perform the unabridged version, but I think it would be worth any extra expense to have it.

Need plus ultra

Doesn't get any better than this coupling of an inspired satire by Graves and an outstanding narration by Derek Jacobi.
David Evan Glasser

Wish it were longer!

This is one of my favorite books. To have the legendary Derek Jacobi reading this timeless story is fantastic. He played Claudius in the PBS production of "I, Claudius" many years ago, and his performance is even more compelling in this audiobook. I could listen to him all day--and I did! If you haven't read the unabridged version, you will want to after listening. Enjoy!

Entertaining view into the world of the ceasars

Great book for anyone with a bit of interest in roman history. Because of all the (similar) names in the book, maybe have a family tree of the Julio Claudian dynasty at hand

A wonderful retelling

It was great hearing Derek Jacobi reprise his Claudius, almost as if you were having dinner with the old stammerer himself. It reminds one of the BBC series but stands on its own. I only wish it were not abridged! Onward to "Claudius the God," which completes the saga. You can get the unabridged version, but it won't be with the incomparable Sir Jacobi.