Goodbye To All That
Although a familiar as a poet and already with several books to his name, in 1927 Robert gained public recognition for the biography of his friend Lawrence of Arabia. He followed this in 1929 at the age of 34 by his war memoir Good-bye to All That which was an instant success. He broke with his former life and moved to Mallorca.
Poet, Storyteller, Soldier, Mythographer, Novelist, Essayist
As a historical novelist his “I Claudius” novels were run-away best sellers. “Few incidents here given are wholly unsupported by historical authority or some sort” he says. Later, the historical interpretation when investigating the recovery of Golden Fleece led him deep into Mythology.
Myths and Ancient Religions
Robert’s interest in myths and ancient religions (including the Bible) led him to his seminal study: The White Goddess. This in turn led him to translating classics including Apuleius’s The Golden Ass , Suetonius’ The Twelve Caesars and Homer’s Iliad, and to his brilliant recompilation The Greek Myths.
A Poet at the Service of his Muse
Graves saw himself a Poet at the service of his Muse. Writing prose was an occupation which allowed him to continue in her service. Among many other international distinctions he was elected Professor of Poetry at Oxford University, and he received the Queen’s Medal for Poetry.
Soldier-Poet of the World War I
Robert Graves fought in the First World War. His first book of poems Over the Brazier was published shortly before being severely wounded and left for dead on the Somme battlefield. He was not quite 21 years old and already a captain and company commander.
Goodbye To All That
Although a familiar as a poet and already with several books to his name, in 1927 Robert gained public recognition for the biography of his friend Lawrence of Arabia. He followed this in 1929 at the age of 34 by his war memoir Good-bye to All That which was an instant success. He broke with his former life and moved to Mallorca.
Robert's Life
Life Statement
“Since the age of fifteen poetry has been my ruling passion and I have never intentionally undertaken any task or formed any relationship that seemed inconsistent with poetic principles: which has sometime won me the reputation of an eccentric.”
(The White Goddess)
Born in 1895; Anglo-Irish father, German mother. Soldier-poet in WWI with his friends Sassoon and Owen. After an unsuccessful first marriage and four children he wrote Good-bye to All That and retired to Majorca with poet Laura Riding (1929). There he wrote his best selling I, Claudius (1934). Rarely covering the same subject twice, his novel The Golden Fleece led him to his ground breaking thesis on ancient religions The White Goddess (1948) and on to his Greek Myths. He was a biblical scholar, biographer, translator, but above all a poet. He published over 1200 poems. He was elected Professor of Poetry at Oxford (1961), and was awarded the Queen’s Medal for Poetry (1968). He is buried in Deià, Majorca.
"Robert Graves and the Mountains" invites literature enthusiasts, as well as those with a love for the great outdoors, to dive into the life and work of this remarkable poet. The talk is a testament to how the natural world can serve as a wellspring of creativity and wisdom, inspiring one of the 20th century's most celebrated poets to craft verses that continue to resonate with readers worldwide. The talk will be held on 8th December 11am at Caernarfon Castle and then (same talk) at 4pm at Bangor University, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the intricate connection between Robert Graves, mountains, and the arduous path of love in an unforgettable journey of poetry and inspiration.

Image Galleries
Family and friends. Photos, paintings, etc. First Edition book Covers.
Video & Audio
Readings, Interviews, TV & Film.
Poem of the Week
Random poem from a selection of his best.
Letter of the Week
Random letter from O’Prey’s published Selected Letters
Robert Graves Society
Meetings, conferences, photos and more.
Foundation & Museum
Robert Graves’s House and Foundation in Mallorca.
Robert Graves Review
A publication for scholars and academics, now online.
Online Resources
Bibliography, diaries, Location of documents, Texts of letters.

Quotes, sayings and loose verses

To bring the dead to life
Is no great magic.
Few are wholly dead
Blow on a dead man's embers
And a live flame will start.

Robert Graves- from To bring the dead to life

Every English poet should master the rules of grammar before he attempts to bend or break them.

Robert Graves

I was thinking, "So, I’m Emperor, am I? What nonsense! But at least I'll be able to make people read my books now.

Robert Graves-I, Claudius

To bring the dead to life
Is no great magic.
Few are wholly dead
Blow on a dead man's embers
And a live flame will start.

Robert Graves- from To bring the dead to life

The Laureare tells of Robert Graves's early life which caused him to write Good-bye to All That and to move to Mallorca - Now available on DVD.

Books by Robert Graves and Biographies

Find novels and poems by Robert Graves or biographies from various publishing houses.