Robert Graves

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.

Featured Books By Author

Ann at Highwood Hall

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.

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The Siege and Fall of Troy

The Iliad has it all: war, corruption, greed, power, and the passions of both gods and men. In this detailed retelling, Robert Graves draws the major characters of this timeless classic in broad, gritty strokes, making Agamemnon, Paris, Odysseus, and others accessible for young readers.


Written with a younger audience in mind, The Siege and Fall of Troy is nevertheless exhaustively researched and compelling enough to be of interest to both students of history and adult readers. With humor, wit, and energy, Graves is expert at weaving a story based on exhaustive scholarly research and deep imaginative prowess.

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The Twelve Caesars

Based on eyewitness accounts and his own unlimited access to the Emperor Hadrian’s Imperial archives, the scholar Suetonius wrote a sweeping account of the lives of twelve of Rome’s most powerful emperors. From the empire’s most shining examples of ruling competency, such as Julius Caesar and Augustus, to the most depraved and doomed rulers, such as Nero, this ancient and colorful biographical work presents a vivid and accessible picture of these historical figures from remote antiquity.


This classic work was translated from the Latin by Robert Graves, renowned classicist, historian, and historical novelist. Combining his extensive expertise in classical history with deft writing skill and an ability to spin a good tale, Graves’ excellent translation makes this classic work accessible to modern audiences.

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Books By
Robert Graves