Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of I, Claudius (Claudius, Bk 1)

I, Claudius (Claudius, Bk 1)
boomerbooklover avatar reviewed on + 438 more book reviews


'Autobiography' of Claudius who is lame from polio and suffers multiple other physical problems, including a prominent stutter. He hides his intellect for years, which helps him survive his bloodthirsty family, who have written him off as a threat. This book ends when, supported by the Palace Guards, he is acclaimed emperor after the assassination of Caligula. Follow up novel 'Claudius the God' continues his story. Well-written historical fiction. I had to read the first chapter twice to get the main players straight, and wish there had been a family tree included.