Spartacus: The Myth and the Man

This is a revised version of M. J. Trow's classic biography of an ancient and unforgettable hero.

'I am Spartacus' ranks among the most famous lines in Hollywood, with its image of the man's comrades prepared to die in his place in the Kirk Douglas film. And die they did; not the actors but the real army of Spartacus, crucified in their thousands along the Appian Way that leads to Rome.

Spartacus: The Myth and the Man is a revised version of M. J. Trow's original biography, the first to be written in English, of a legend who has become all things to all men. He has been the focus of a ballet and an opera. Karl Marx called him 'the finest fellow in ancient history' and a communist group in 1920s Germany tried to topple the Weimar government in his name.

The humble slave from Thrace (today's Bulgaria) became a gladiator, led a revolt and took on the greatest military system in history - Rome. The Romans were understandably anxious to erase him from history, so key facts about the man are hard to come by. What we do know is that he fought not one, but six Roman armies and beat them all before his final defeat.

Thoroughly researched and impressive in its breadth, Spartacus: The Myth and the Man will please readers with an interest in ancient history.

'Puts the fascinating story of Spartacus and his rebellion into its historical context in great detail. I really enjoyed it' - Amazon review

'If you're interested in Ancient Rome, or really enjoyed the Kirk Douglas epic, this book is fascinating. It highlights how the Spartacus story has been used and misused down the centuries and attempts to put flesh on the bones of the story' - Amazon review

M. J. Trow is a historian, biographer and crime novelist. His books include the well-known Lestrade and Maxwell series as well as non-fiction such as Who Killed Kit Marlowe? and Vlad the Impaler. Originally from Wales, he now lives on the Isle of Wight.