Date of Birth: November 11, 1914
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: March 12, 2003
Biography
Howard Fast was an American novelist and television writer best known for his historical fiction, including the best-selling novel “Spartacus” which was adapted into a successful film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Born in New York City, Fast began his writing career at an early age, publishing his first novel, “Two Valleys,” while still in his teens. Over the course of his prolific career, he wrote more than 80 books, including novels, short stories, and non-fiction. Fast was politically active and faced significant challenges due to his involvement with the Communist Party USA. He was blacklisted during the McCarthy era and spent three months in prison for contempt of Congress when he refused to name contributors to a fund for the defense of Communist Party leaders. Despite these obstacles, Fast continued to write and publish, often under pseudonyms. His works span a wide range of genres, from historical epics to science fiction and contemporary social issues. Fast’s commitment to social justice and his ability to weave compelling narratives made him a significant figure in 20th-century American literature.
5 Interesting Facts about Howard Fast
1. Howard Fast wrote his first novel, “Two Valleys,” at the age of 18.
2. He was blacklisted during the McCarthy era but continued to write under pseudonyms.
3. Fast spent three months in prison for refusing to name contributors to a defense fund for Communist Party leaders.
4. His novel “Spartacus” was adapted into a highly successful film directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1960.
5. Fast was an outspoken advocate for social justice and used his writing to address contemporary social issues.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard Fast
1. “I write to escape; to escape poverty.”
2. “I have always believed that you cannot write if you are not a good reader.”
3. “A writer has to be driven crazy to help him to see. A writer needs his poisons.”
4. “Literature is the human activity that takes the fullest and most precise account of variousness, possibility, complexity, and difficulty.”
5. “I have tried to be as honest and true to my beliefs as I could.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Howard Fast’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million during his peak writing years.
Children
Howard Fast had two children: Jonathan Fast, an accomplished author and professor, and Rachel Fast, who also pursued a career in writing.
Relevant Links
1. [Howard Fast Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Fast
2. [Spartacus by Howard Fast](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/150939.Spartacus
3. [Howard Fast IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268656/
5. [Howard Fast’s Legacy](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Howard-Fast
