Spartacus by Aldo Schiavone (nonfiction)

At first, I wasn't going to check this out at the library because I have four other books going and I've read a lot about Spartacus lately.  Well, I'm glad I did!  There is so little preserved about him in the ancient works, but Schiavone gives a convincing, breezy analysis of the social conditions that led to Spartacus' rise.  Four and a half stars, even in translation.

Spartacus Rebellion by Ben Kane (historical fiction, last in a trilogy)

I saw this book in the NEW section with mixed feelings - excitement and sadness because the excellent trilogy had to come to an end.  It was a fun read, but not as gripping as the first two.  The character of Crassus was a little silly, but the book benefits from including the experiences of those around Spartacus.

Spartacus, directed by Stanley Kubrick (DVD)

This movie seems slightly goofy and very innocent by today's standards, but it originally shocked audiences with its sexual suggestions.  I still think it is a classic.  The music is great.

The Spartacus War by Barry Strauss (nonfiction)

This book was some of the best nonfiction I've ever read in terms of an exciting narrative that brings a new understanding of the topic to the reader.  Strauss achieves this by organizing the book chronologically and explaining with each new section how much we know from contemporary accounts, later ancient sources, and archaeological sources.  He's very clear exactly when he goes into what could have happened in the context of what is known.