Spartacus: The Gladiator

The story of Spartacus, and the slave uprising against the Romans in 72BC is well known to many readers and cinemagoers.  Yet Ben Kane manages to bring a freshness to the saga. This first volume covers 18 months, beginning with Spartacus’s return home to Thrace - having served with the Roman legions - to find his father and brother murdered by the reigning despot king. Sold into slavery following a failed plot to overthrow the tyrant, Spartacus eventually breaks free and becomes the heroic leader of legend. Told with Kane’s usual panache and historical knowledge, this book is highly recommended.