Collection of Robert Graves writing donated to ISU

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) - A collection of works by celebrated English poet and novelist Robert Graves has been donated to Illinois State University's Milner Library.

Graves was best known for his 1934 historical novel "I, Claudius," which described the decadence of Rome at the time of the first-century emperor. It was made into a popular television miniseries in 1976.

The World War I veteran produced more than 137 novels and books of poetry and criticism. He died in 1985 at the age of 90.

The collection was donated by former Illinois State Provost John Presley and his wife, Katherine. It includes books, annotated bibliographies and poetry.

There are also drafts of the proposed "I, Claudius" film scripts.

The head of Milner's special collections, Maureen Brunsdale, says the works offer "new insights into a great writer."