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Spartacus

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Spartacus

By: Howard Fast
Narrated by: Julian Elfer
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About this listen

Spartacus, a fictionalization of a slave revolt in ancient Rome in 71 BC, is well known today because of the 1960 movie starring Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier. It was originally published in 1951 by Fast himself, after being turned down by every mainstream publisher of the day because of Fast's blacklisting for his Communist Party sympathies. The story of Spartacus, born a slave, trained as a gladiator, who led a slave revolt that was eventually put down by Crassus, was immensely popular and went on to sell millions of copies.

©1951 Howard Fast (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Historical Fiction Fiction Ancient History

Editorial reviews

Stanley Kubrick might have given Spartacus it’s widespread fame, but the historical novel by Howard Fast from where it originated was perhaps even more moving, when you consider the circumstances that inspired it. Through the tension and censorship of the McCarthy Era, Fast developed this passionate story of freedom and hope in the face of oppression and slavery. Accomplished actor, Julian Elfer, gives a strong and energetic performance, bringing to life all the anguish and action of Spartacus, Crassus, and their loyal legions. Though focusing on a society that has long since disappeared, Fast’s Spartacus highlights the important and timeless lesson of keeping political systems in check.
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Resonates to our time more than ever as one can draw parrallels to the wests abundance and spritual crisis to that of the plight of the romans in this book. Excellent for pondering on the themes of the book days after you have finished it

The book still resonates..

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I love this book, first read it as a teenager and enjoyed rereading/listening to it again. It is a great story and also has a lot of depth for anyone interested in the lives of the ancient Romans.

This book is one of my all time faves

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Wouldn’t bother with the audiobook, half of it is read in such a low volume you can’t hear it, makes for frustrating listen when you constantly have to go back, turn the volume right to hear what was said then have your ears blown when it goes back to normal volume.

Read the hard copy

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