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 works of historical fiction. Born on November 11, 1914, in New York City, Fast grew up in a family that struggled financially after the early death of his mother. Despite these challenges, he developed a passion for reading and writing at a young age. His first novel, “Two Valleys,” was published in 1933 when he was just 18 years old. Fast’s most famous work is “Spartacus,” published in 1951, which tells the story of the historical figure who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. The book was later adapted into a successful film in 1960, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Fast’s writing was often marked by its focus on social justice, equality, and the struggles of the underprivileged. During the 1950s, Fast faced political persecution for his affiliations with the Communist Party USA. He was blacklisted and served a three-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress after refusing to provide names of other Communist Party members. Despite these challenges, he continued to write prolifically, producing over 80 books during his career. Fast received numerous awards for his work, including the Stalin Peace Prize in 1953 and the National Book Award in 1980 for his book “The Immigrants.” He passed away on March 12, 2003, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
5 Interesting Facts about Howard Fast
1. Howard Fast was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his political beliefs and affiliations.
2. He wrote under several pseudonyms, including E.V. Cunningham and Walter Ericson.
3. Fast served in the United States Army during World War II, where he worked with the Office of War Information.
4. His book “Citizen Tom Paine” was a bestseller and has been credited with reviving interest in the American Revolutionary figure Thomas Paine.
5. Fast’s work “Spartacus” was self-published after he was unable to find a publisher due to his blacklisting.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard Fast
1. “I have learned that the greatest story ever told has not been told yet.”
2. “To live in a world where every man is free to think and choose his own way—that is the goal, the only goal.”
3. “The writer’s duty is to keep trying to paint the human condition in all its complexity.”
4. “Freedom is never given; it is won.”
5. “Books are weapons, and it is a part of your dedication always to make them weapons for man’s freedom.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Howard Fast is estimated to be around $10 million at the peak of his career.
Children
Howard Fast had two children: a son, Jonathan Fast, who is also a novelist, and a daughter, Rachel Fast.
Relevant Links
1. [Howard Fast Biography – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268677/bio
2. [Howard Fast – Spartacus Educational](https://spartacus-educational.com/Jfast.htm
5. [Howard Fast – Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Howard-Fast
