Book Review:

Claudius the God

by Robert Graves

Reviewed by Russ Lockwood


Vintage International, 1934 (reprinted 1989), ISBN 0-679-72573-3, $15.00, 533 pages

Claudius the God carries the story started in I, Claudius to its conclusion--the death of Emperor Claudius. As such, it is as gripping as the first, concentrating on palace intrigue and events affecting the Imperial family.

Of note is the invasion of Britain, which Claudius undertook to quash the Druidic influence over Gaul, as well as gain a province. The military preparations are discussed, as is a pivotal battle with Caractacus, as Claudius emerges victorious.

At the end are three original accounts of Claudius' death (Suetonius, Tacitus, and Dio Cassius) and a short parody be Seneca--a nice touch.

The two-book set will be a pleasant addition to a "Roman" library.

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