New Releases by Robert Graves

In ''A Survey of Modernist Poetry,'' the anthology captures the audacious spirit and stylistic innovation characteristic of the modernist movement, exploring themes of fragmentation, dislocation, and introspection. This collection spans a wide array of poetic styles, from stark free verse to intricate symbolism, reflecting a period where writers broke free from traditional constraints to forge new directions in the craft of poetry. The anthology showcases a multitude of voices, highlighting the diversity of modernist expression without anchoring the collection to any single author. Editors Laura Riding and Robert Graves provide an expansive platform for a generation of poets who sought to redefine the artistic landscape. Their anthology draws connections to the broader literary and historical context of modernism, emphasizing a shared desire to express the complex realities of the 20th century. Through these selected works, the anthology delves into personal and universal themes, exemplifying the cultural ethos of modernism while allowing each author''s distinctive voice to resonate in harmony with the others. This anthology is an invaluable resource for readers seeking a comprehensive and engaging exploration of modernist poetry. It invites both newcomers and seasoned scholars to engage with its rich tapestry of insights, offering a unique opportunity to discover how diverse perspectives coalesce around the shared ambition to break new literary ground. This collection promises to be an enlightening journey, enhancing the reader''s appreciation for the modernist vote and fostering a dialogue that traverses the complexities of the human experience.

The poet’s “account of trench life . . . still grips the reader,” making his WWI memoir “a classic of English autobiography, and a subversive tour de force” (The Guardian). Goodbye to All That is English poet and soldier Robert Graves’s “bitter leave-taking” of England after his experiences during World War I. A testimony to the shifts in society following the war, the book offers an unsentimental and often satiric account of life as a British Army officer facing the intensity of battle, as well as the personal history that led to his becoming a poet. Finding refuge in Majorca, Graves wrote Goodbye to All That in eleven weeks. His accounts of trench warfare and his descriptions of war atrocities incited controversy, making the book a literary sensation and funding Graves’s vow to “never make England my home again.” Consisting of Graves’s memorable encounters with fellow writers and poets such as Siegfried Sassoon and Thomas Hardy, and the changing societal views on married life, Goodbye to All That, is a classic war memoir and a candid portrait of artistic life.

In "Fairies and Fusiliers," Robert Graves weaves a rich tapestry of World War I experiences interlaced with mythological elements, depicting the stark juxtaposition between the innocence of folklore and the brutality of war. The collection showcases Graves''s unique literary style, characterized by sharp, evocative imagery and a poignant use of vernacular, reflecting the disillusionment felt by soldiers amidst the horrors of the frontline. Through pithy verses and lyrical narratives, Graves captures a range of emotions from nostalgia to despair, illustrating how the landscape of battle often merges with the surreal and fantastical. Robert Graves (1895-1985) was a poet, novelist, and critic, whose own experiences as a soldier deeply informed his literary work. A notable figure of the 20th-century literary scene, Graves not only confronted the realities of warfare but also found solace in the mythical, evidenced in his exploration of folklore throughout his oeuvre. His multifaceted life and scholarship on classical literature significantly influenced the themes of identity and memory that course through "Fairies and Fusiliers." This collection is recommended for readers seeking an insightful exploration of the intersection between myth and reality, as well as those interested in the psychological and emotional landscape of war. Graves''s poignant and innovative approach provides profound reflections on the human condition, making this work an essential addition to the canon of war literature. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work''s timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era''s events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author''s life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work''s messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

The Nazarene Gospel Restored is Robert Graves''s major work on the life of Jesus, written in collaboration with the distinguished Hebrew scholar Joshua Podro. The research and writing occupied them for over ten years, in a working relationship compounded, in John W. Presley''s phrase, ''of argument, scholarship and mutual respect'', in which the imaginative writer and the Hebraist drew on their vast knowledge of the ancient world to reveal an extraordinary new, ''true'' story of Jesus. The result is, as Graves wrote to T.S. Eliot, ''a very long, very readable, very strange book'', and one that Presley argues is as central to Graves''s thought as The White Goddess. The Nazarene Gospel Restored was controversial when first published: the Church Times refused to advertise it, reviews were hostile, and Graves twice sued for libel. In the twenty-first century it is possible to read it in the context of a continuing engagement with the historical Jesus, both scholarly and popular. In this new edition, John W. Presley gives a detailed account of the composition and reception of the book, setting it in the context of Graves''s writing and of biblical scholarship. The inclusion of Graves''s Foreword and annotations for a project revised edition make this an indispensable resource.

In "The Feather Bed," Robert Graves intricately weaves a tale steeped in the nuances of human emotion, vulnerability, and existential reflection. With a lyrical prose style that deftly balances modernist sensibilities with mythic undercurrents, Graves crafts a narrative that explores the intimate relations between lovers amidst the backdrop of post-war disillusionment. The text''s rich symbolism and unconventional structure invite readers to unravel layers of meaning, presenting a poignant commentary on the fragility of human connections and the quest for identity in a rapidly changing world. Graves, an accomplished poet and novelist, draws upon his own experiences during World War I, which deeply informed his views on love and loss. His rich background in classical literature and mythological studies further enriches the thematic depth of "The Feather Bed." Graves''s personal struggles and philosophical inquiries resonate throughout the novel, reflecting his belief in the essential human experience as a tapestry of desire, fear, and revelation. For readers seeking a profound exploration of love''Äôs complexities and the human condition, "The Feather Bed" offers an illuminating dive into Graves''s literary genius. Embrace this evocative work to experience not just a story, but an inquiry into life itself, artfully rendered through the eyes of one of the 20th century''Äôs most significant literary figures.

"The best book on writing ever published" (Patricia T. O''Conner, author of Woe Is I). When Robert Graves and Alan Hodge decided to collaborate on this manual for writers, the world was in total upheaval. Graves had fled Majorca three years earlier at the start of the Spanish Civil War, and as they labored over their new project, they witnessed the fall of France and the evacuation of Allied forces at Dunkirk. Soon the horror of World War II would reach British soil as well, as the Luftwaffe began bombing London in an effort to destroy the resolve of the English people. Graves and Hodge believed that at a time when their whole world was falling apart, the survival of English prose sentences—of writing that was clear, concise, and intelligible—had become paramount if hope were going to outlive the onslaught. They came up with forty-one principles for writing, the majority devoted to clarity, the remainder to grace of expression. They studied the prose of a wide range of noted authors and leaders, finding much room for improvement. Successful communication could mean the difference between war and peace, life and death, and they were determined to contribute to its survival. The importance of good writing continues today, as obfuscation, propaganda, manipulative language, and sloppy standards are all too common—and this classic guide is just as useful and important as ever. Note: This edition restores the full, original 1943 text. "To see what really expert mavens can do in applying their rule-based expertise to clearing up bad prose, get hold of a copy of The Reader Over Your Shoulder." —The Atlantic

When these poems, written between the ages of fourteen and twenty, first appeared, I was serving in France and had no leisure for getting the final proofs altogether as I wanted them. The same year, but too late, I decided on several alterations in the text, including the suppression of two small poems inexcusable even as early work. These amendations appear in this new edition, but I have left the bulk of the book as it stood. ROBERT GRAVES.

The I, Claudius author''s "lightning sharp interpretations and insights . . . are here brought to bear with equal effectiveness on the Book of Genesis" ( Kirkus Reviews). This is a comprehensive look at the stories that make up the Old Testament and the Jewish religion, including the folk tales, apocryphal texts, midrashes, and other little-known documents that the Old Testament and the Torah do not include. In this exhaustive study, Robert Graves provides a fascinating account of pre-Biblical texts that have been censored, suppressed, and hidden for centuries, and which now emerge to give us a clearer view of Hebrew myth and religion than ever. Venerable classicist and historian Robert Graves recounts the ancient Hebrew stories, both obscure and familiar, with a rich sense of storytelling, culture, and spirituality. This book is sure to be riveting to students of Jewish or Judeo-Christian history, culture, and religion.

Translated from the Latin by the poet and author of I, Claudius, this ancient Roman novel follows the many adventures of a man who transforms into an ass. Driven by his all-consuming curiosity, a young man of good parentage named Lucius Apuleius takes a trip to Thessaly. Along the way, amidst a series of bizarre adventures, he inadvertently offends a priestess of the White Goddess, who promptly turns him into an ass. How Lucius responds to his new misfortune, and ultimately finds a way to become human again, makes for a funny and fascinating tale. The Metamorphosis of Apuleius, referred to by St. Augustine as The Golden Ass, is the oldest novel written in Latin to survive in its entirety. Originally written by Lucius of Patrae, this translation by Robert Graves highlights the ribald humor and vivid sense of adventure present in the original. Providing a rare window into the daily lives of regular people in ancient Greece, Robert Graves''s translation of this classic tale is at once hilarious, informative, and captivating.

The author of I, Claudius puts his own twist on the myth of the Argonauts'' quest for the Golden Fleece: "A tour de force . . . A richly tapestried epic" ( Kirkus Reviews). An inventive reimagining of the story of Jason and the Argonauts, this novel by renowned poet and classicist Robert Graves brings heroic figures of Hellenistic myth to life. Graves''s Jason is belligerent, energetic, and full of life, and the society Graves builds for him is outlandish and deeply invested in ancient cults. Against this primitive, religious backdrop, the charismatic Jason assembles a crew and sets out to retrieve the sacred gold-trimmed fleece that is sacred to Zeus, and that has been stolen by worshippers of the Triple Goddess. Accompanying him is Hercules, a brave warrior known more for his brawn, and his astonishingly good luck, than his brains. Robert Graves builds a compelling world that sets Hellenistic magic and mystery in a surprisingly gritty, realistic setting, a fascinating read for fans of Greek mythology. "A witty historical novel with much insider''s lore on cult and ritual." — The New York Review of Books "Richly readable, thoroughly classical yet individually interpreted, this is a labor of love important to students, culture-seekers and readers." — Library Journal

The author of I, Claudius reimagines the Trojan War for the young reader. "The writing is clear, straightforward, and, in places, poetic" ( Kirkus Reviews). 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.

The author of Sergeant Lamb''s America continues the fictionalized account of an Irish soldier fighting for the British during the Revolutionary War. This is the second in a two-book series telling the story of Sgt. Roger Lamb, a non-commissioned officer in the British Army, who served in America during the American War of Independence. Captured with Gen. Johnny Burgoyne after the Battle of Saratoga, he made a daring escape and later served under General Cornwallis. Following closely to Sergeant Lamb''s personal memoirs, renowned poet, classicist, and novelist Robert Graves traces the sergeant''s harrowing time in the service, providing a compelling, only barely fictionalized eyewitness account of a crucial point in American history.

This ancient biographical history of Roman rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian is translated by the acclaimed classicists and author of I, Claudius. As personal secretary to Emperor Hadrian, the second century scholar Suetonius had unlimited access to the Roman Imperial archives. Drawing on this wealth of source material, he wrote a sweeping account of the lives of Rome''s first twelve emperors. From the empire''s most accomplished leaders, such as Julius Caesar and Augustus, to its most depraved and doomed rulers, such as Caligula and Nero, this ancient biographical study presents an enlightening and colorful picture of these historical figures from remote antiquity. This edition of The Twelve Caesars is translated from the Latin by the renowned classicist, historian, and historical novelist Robert Graves. With his expertise in classical history and talent for telling a lively story, Graves presents an excellent translation that makes this classic work accessible to modern audiences

Edward Venn-Thomas lives in the twentieth century but has been mysteriously transported to the future, and the apparently idyllic society of New Create, where there is no hunger, no war and no dissatisfaction. However Venn-Thomas is starting to find life among the New Cretans rather dull. He comes to realize that their perfect existence, inspired by the poets and magicians of their strange occultic religion, lacks one fundamental thing - evil. So Venn-Thomas sees it as nothing less than his duty to introduce them to the darker side of life. First published in 1949 and also known as Watch the North Wind Rise, Graves''s novel is a thrilling blend of utopian fantasy, science fiction and mythology.

Antigua, Penny, Puce

This is a collection of Robert Graves'' essays, written between 1922 and 1972, on areas of culture which engaged him. They are organized around the thematic categories of literature, history and religion. The collection chronicles Graves'' intellectual development by presenting the essays chronologically to show how ideas begin and evolve over half a century. At the same time, the essays demonstrate his eclectic knowledge over a vast range of topics and confirm not only his insights, but also his humour and famous leaps of logic.

A modern classic of historical fiction written in the form of Claudius''s autobiography. Claudius the God is the second part of Robert Graves''s two-part account of the life of Tiberius Claudius, "the cripple, the stammerer, the fool of the family" who became Emperor of Rome in spite of himself in 41 A.D. With the same crystalline brilliance that characterizes its classic antecedent, Claudius the God evokes the vitality, splendor, and decadence of Imperial Rome at the beginning of its decline. It is not only a superb re-creation of a colorful moment in history but, through the eyes of the bemused and wry emperor, a compelling and ironic account of human nature as well.

First published in the 1400s, these classic tales of King Arthur, Camelot, and adventures of the Knights of the Round Table are translated and presented in this edition that features a new introduction written by Nobel Prize nominee Robert Graves (I, Claudius).

A self-confessed forger, cheat, thief, and petty criminal, William Palmer was also a surgeon and a racehorse owner during the Victorian era who doped horses, fixed races, philandered unapologetically, and generally behaved as an all-around rogue. But the crime for which he was condemned was altogether more serious: poisoning numerous members of his family as well as a close friend. Based on the historic trial of a man characterized as a sociopath and a serial killer, Robert Graves tells the story of a man who was deeply flawed but ultimately not beyond redemption. They Hanged My Saintly Billy is brimming with humor, emotion, and social commentary.

An entertaining tirade against the perceived iniquities of the trade anthology. A statement of poetic integrity, it poses awkward questions about the production and consumption of art in the mass markets of twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

The well-known English poet & essayist here ventures his interpretations of the humoristic element in literature.