Robert Graves (1895–1985) was an English novelist, poet, and translator of classical Greek and Roman literature, and one of the most celebrated English writers of the 20th century. Graves published more than 140 novels and collections of poetry, groundbreaking analyses of Greek mythology, and a memoir. Graves is best known for his historical novels, which include I, Claudius, Claudius, the God, The Golden Fleece, King Jesus, and Count Belisarius.
Robert Graves served in combat during World War I and was gravely wounded at the Battle of the Somme. Following his recovery, he wrote several works of war poetry as well as a memoir of his time in combat, Goodbye to All That. In 1934, Robert Graves was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his historical novels that explain the life of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Among his books for young readers are Greek Gods and Heroes and The Siege and Fall of Troy. He dedicated Ann at Highwood Hall to two of his grandchildren, Georgina and David Graves.
Boisterous, witty, and enchanting, this collection of children’s poems by Robert Graves—with iconic drawings by Edward Ardizzone—will delight any young reader. This 50th-anniversary edition is a digital reproduction of the 1964 original that was published in the United States and Great Britain.
Seven poems evoke the world of Victorian England and include the story of Ann, "the third-but-youngest child of seventeen" who runs away to live at a duke’s palace; a valentine in verse; a battle of words lost in translation between King George II and the Chinese Emperor; a bedside visit to a little girl from her doctor; and a lively argument between young Caroline and Charles that sounds a lot like 21st century banter between children.
Ann at Highwood Hall will thrill scholars of Robert Graves, collectors of classic children’s book illustrators, historians… and poetry lovers of all ages.
The famous poet John Milton, author of Paradise Lost, had a wife, and their story is both strange and tumultuous. Consummate historical novelist and poet Robert Graves tells the story from the perspective of the wife, Marie Powell, a young woman who married the poet to escape a debt.
From the start, the couple proves mismatched; Milton is a domineering and insensitive husband set on punishing Marie for not providing the promised dowry. John Milton and his young wife are both religiously and temperamentally incompatible, and this portrait of their relationship is spellbinding, if not distinctly unflattering to Milton. It also provides fascinating accounts of the political upheavals of the time, including the execution of Charles I. This book is an excellent read for fans of historical fiction.
In the ancient past, the Gods and Goddesses of ancient Greece lived on Mount Olympus, and ruled the world of mortals. Famous heroes shaped the course of history, beautiful women drew the gazes of gods and men alike, and the gods were both fickle in their favors and breathtakingly generous to those they smiled upon.
From Midas’ tragic gift to the exploits of Hercules and the curse of Pandora, renowned classicist and historical novelist Robert Graves brings the legends of ancient Greece to life in a lively, accessible way that’s sure to appeal to everyone; from children to adults, and from casual readers to serious scholars.
