Howard Fast was an American novelist celebrated for historical fiction. His best-known work, Spartacus, vividly portrays the ancient slave rebellion and inspired the classic film of the same name.
If you enjoy reading books by Howard Fast then you might also like the following authors:
John Jakes is a popular historical fiction author known for creating vivid characters and exciting plots set against American history. Like Howard Fast, he writes epic novels highlighting important events through the experiences of families and individuals.
In his bestselling book, North and South, he depicts the American Civil War through the lives of two families—one from the North and one from the South—focusing on friendship, conflict, and the human cost of war.
James Michener's novels immerse readers in carefully researched historical settings. He creates expansive stories that trace generations of families, exploring how history shapes ordinary people’s lives.
If you enjoy Howard Fast's attention to historical detail, check out Michener's Centennial. This novel spans centuries of American history, vividly portraying the development of the American West.
Gore Vidal writes thought-provoking historical fiction that critically examines American politics, society, and power. Like Howard Fast, Vidal combines historical authenticity with strong narrative storytelling.
His novel Lincoln brings readers close to Abraham Lincoln, providing insight into the president’s character, political struggles, and personal relationships during a pivotal time in American history.
Herman Wouk crafts powerful, emotionally resonant stories, often centered on moments of historical significance. Much like Howard Fast, Wouk uses believable characters to portray the human emotions behind significant historical events.
His notable novel, The Winds of War, tells the gripping story of an American family's journey during World War II, highlighting heroism, love, loss, and resilience amid global conflict.
E.L. Doctorow blends history and fiction to create thoughtful and original narratives that explore Americana and social justice. Similar to Howard Fast, Doctorow provides sharp commentary on society, politics, and historical events through imaginative storytelling.
His innovative novel, Ragtime, weaves together real-life historical figures and fictional characters, creating a vivid portrayal of early 20th-century America.
Ken Follett excels at blending detailed historical backdrops with exciting storytelling. Readers who like Howard Fast's vivid portrayal of historical events might particularly enjoy Follett's The Pillars of the Earth.
This novel brings medieval England to life, following ordinary people through turbulent times and capturing the era's conflicts and ambitions.
Leon Uris writes historical fiction that explores personal drama and political upheaval. Like Howard Fast, he weaves detailed history through compelling characters and intense storylines.
In his novel Exodus, Uris portrays the struggles and aspirations behind the founding of Israel, combining powerful storytelling with insightful historical insights.
Irving Stone is known for vividly capturing famous historical figures through deeply researched biographical fiction. Fans of Howard Fast's accurate historical context and lively storytelling will appreciate Stone's approach.
The Agony and the Ecstasy is one of his best-known works, illustrating the passionate life and artistic journey of Michelangelo during the Italian Renaissance.
Upton Sinclair uses fiction to shed light on important social and political issues of his time. His style, direct and impactful, is similar to Howard Fast's focus on social justice themes.
Sinclair's novel The Jungle exposes harsh realities of working-class life in early 20th-century America, actively engaging readers who enjoy meaningful historical storytelling.
James Clavell's narratives transport readers to richly depicted historical settings, focusing on cultural conflicts and human ambitions. Those who appreciate Howard Fast's carefully drawn historical contexts and engaging plots will find Clavell equally appealing.
His novel Shōgun vividly depicts feudal Japan, blending drama, culture, and adventure in an unforgettable story.
Taylor Caldwell writes vivid historical novels filled with rich detail and well-developed characters. Her stories often center around struggles for power, complex family dynamics, and moral dilemmas faced by people in important moments in history.
If you enjoyed Howard Fast’s thoughtful historical storytelling, you'll likely appreciate Caldwell’s Captains and the Kings. The novel explores ambition, power, and politics through the rise of an immigrant family's business empire.
Jeff Shaara creates engaging novels about critical periods in American history, especially military history. Shaara accurately portrays real-life historical figures and draws readers deep into their emotional experiences, strategies, and challenges in war.
Fans of Howard Fast will appreciate Shaara’s thoughtful approach in Gods and Generals, which vividly captures the personal and military struggles of leaders in the American Civil War.
Edward Rutherfurd specializes in expansive multi-generational novels focused on particular locations and cultures, providing readers with a powerful sense of place and history.
He is skilled at weaving many different characters and events together into rich tapestries of historical storytelling.
Those who enjoy Howard Fast’s historical sweep will find plenty to love in Rutherfurd’s epic novel Sarum, which spans thousands of years of England's past through stories of diverse characters and families over generations.
Thomas B. Costain brings history alive with captivating narratives that skillfully blend historical events with adventure and engaging characters. His novels often explore influential historical personalities and pivotal moments that shaped the medieval and Renaissance periods.
If you enjoy how Howard Fast combines history and drama, Costain’s The Silver Chalice is an enjoyable choice, set in the early days of Christianity and featuring intriguing historical figures and tense human conflict.
Cornelius Ryan captures vivid moments of war and conflict through deeply-researched historical nonfiction. His narratives emphasize personal experiences, human drama, and meticulous attention to historical accuracy.
If you like the way Howard Fast humanizes historical events, you will appreciate Ryan’s book The Longest Day, a gripping account of the events and personal stories surrounding D-Day in World War II.