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Spartacus
- Narrated by: Julian Elfer
- Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
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Spartacus
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Editor 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.
Summary
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.
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What listeners say about Spartacus
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- gavin coombes
- 26-04-23
Julian Elfer is a triumph,
The book is not a blood and sand read but far better for it. Howard Fast has created a remarkable story and i urge everyone to listen. And it was free but you must hurry
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr O J Odigie
- 27-06-22
An absolute masterpiece!!!
This book should be taught in schools as literature, it was written so beautifully and powerfully!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Norma Miles
- 10-10-22
"We now live in a land of slaves."
Superb.
I had expected a blood, sword and military battles extravaganza. Yes, there was a little of of this, how could there not be with Roman legions defeated nearly six and a half thousand executed by crucifixion along the Apian Way? But the film with Kirk.Douglas this is not. Set mostly retrospectively after the majority of the executions, the story is told in conversations and speculation about character, freedom, fear, fighting and supremacy. It allows for so much more flexibility and for the reader to form parallels with radical supression within the government of the day.
As with all audio productions, the book was also dependent on a good narrator, and Julian Elder is one such, reading well with fine timing and inflection, helping to bring all of the pictures to life. Although there is little definition between voices, who is speaking is never in doubt.
programme
An excellent novel both of its time and today. Highly recommended, and currently available for free on the Audible Plus programme.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Edgar Hanna
- 17-06-22
excellent book
very helpful, sets everything in context and gives it meaning. fills daps in your knowledge
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 20-11-22
Roy Williams
loved it the narrator was excellent he brought home the realism of Spartacus. Brilliant
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- Edward Hodges
- 31-08-22
Legend
I think most people know the story of Spartacus but this book is so well written, moving back and forwards with the various characters throughout the story. The narration was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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- djs218
- 30-12-22
Brilliant
One of the best stories I’ve heard on Audio. The story and narration are superb.
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- Anonymous User
- 05-02-21
Great listen sadly still apt for the time we're in
Really great story. Unfortunately it's still very apt for the times we live in. thought provoking, well worth a listen.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 26-10-21
The old story
Brilliant book much better than the original film. If you have watched the film then listen to this book
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- David
- 20-08-21
Not what I expected
I was expecting blood & guts & battles; there was almost none of this. Large parts are about Roman nobles, soldiers and leaders (and to a lesser extent their slaves). It’s more than two hours in before Spartacus even gets a significant mention.
The lives of slaves, including gladiators, forms a large part but there are no big battle scenes.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book but some may prefer an abridged version if one exists.
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3 people found this helpful