Fast, Howard, 1914-2003

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1914-11-11
Death 2003-03-12
Americans,
English,

Biographical notes:

Popular and prolific novelist Howard Fast was born in New York City. His parents were poor immigrants, and he worked odd jobs as a youth, crediting his love of reading to a job as a page at the New York Public Library. He published his first novel at eighteen, and found early success writing adventures set in America's past. He worked for the Office of War Information during World War II, writing for the radio program Voice of America. A Communist from about 1944-1956, Fast appeared before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1950, was jailed briefly for contempt, and blacklisted, compelling him to write under various pseudonyms, and to found the Blue Heron press to publish his work. While in prison he wrote Spartacus, one of his most enduring works. He is perhaps best known for April Morning and The Immigrants saga. He also wrote science fiction, mysteries, plays, and screenplays.

From the description of Howard Fast letters to Louis and Bryna Untermeyer and related material, 1951-1975 (bulk 1974-1975). (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 70901296

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  • Novelists, American
  • Ciegos

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