Claudius the God

This novel continues the fictional memoir begun in I, Claudius. Claudius, now emperor of Rome, tries to govern an empire while dealing with ambitious advisers, a troubled household and the pressures of absolute power. The story moves across Rome and the provinces, including events in Judea, and mixes court intrigue with political reflection. As in the first book, Graves draws on ancient historians and shapes them into a wry, first person narrative. It is best read after I, Claudius, and it explores how power tests even a thoughtful ruler.