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Spartacus

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Spartacus

Written by: Howard Fast
Narrated by: Julian Elfer
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Buy Now for $21.79

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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
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On the one hand, Ben Kane's interpretation ('Spartacus: The Gladiator' - also available on Audible) of the famous 71 B.C. Revolt led by a Thracian slave/gladiator is quite a bit better (more exciting and more historically accurate than this book) - On the other, this 1951 offering stimulated the production of the Kubrick-directed Kirk Douglas/Laurence Olivier/Charles Laughton/Peter Ustinov film that brought the story to worldwide attention.. and tells an entertaining (if sociologically agenda-driven) tale.
Author Howard Fast explains in the prologue that he wrote this book while serving a jail sentence for communist activity.. and his politics show through in the story. The Roman aristocracy are invariably profligate, corrupt, exploitative, bloodthirsty, and decadent/depraved.. while slaves are principled, generous, and cartoonishly noble.
If you can get past the heavyhanded messaging, however, the book isn't bad. Fast's non-chronological storytelling technique is occasionally offputting, but dialogue is realistic, his description skills are capable, and the plot includes nicely balanced intrigue, action & romance elements.

The quality narration from Julian Elfer contributes to my generally favorable impression of the book, too. True, he reads a little bit too slowly (listen at 1.15X) and occasionally audibly accumulates saliva in the corners of his mouth.. but his diction/enunciation, timbre, cadence, voice-acting, and tone are solidly above-average.

Altogether, if you are asked for a Credit, spend it on a different retelling of this famous event (there are many available).. but if you can get it as a 'Plus' selection, this 6/10-star recording is worth your time.

Middling Historical Fiction

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