Ben-Hur surpassed the fabulously popular Uncle Tom in the 19th century and was beloved for its attempt to faithfully represent the life and times of Jesus, and the person of Jesus himself. This is ironic, given that when Wallace began writing the book, he was not very religious. However, his extensive research into the Holy Land and the Bible brought him to the conviction that while his own book was a work of fiction, the Good Book was not. 20th century readers will recognize Ben Hur more from the 1950's movie, and might not even be aware that it had first been a book. Typically, the movie isn't as good as the book, but the movie is also an American classic. Nonetheless, the book's attention to historical detail and its glimpse into America at a particular point in time gives modern readers deeper insight into both Christianity and the United States in the 19th century. This edition is unabridged and faithfully reflects the version as originally published in 1880.

A beautifully designed Harper Perennial Legacy Edition of Lew Wallace's enduring epic, a tale of revenge, betrayal, honor, compassion and the power of forgiveness, set during the life of Christ, with an introduction from John Swansburg

At the beginning of the first century, Judah Ben-Hur lived as a prince, descended from the royal line of Judea and one of Jerusalem's most prosperous merchant families. But his world falls apart when he is betrayed by his best friend, Messala, who falsely accuses him of an attempt to assassinate the Roman governor.

Convicted without trial, Judah is sentenced to slavery on a Roman galley, while his mother and sister are imprisoned and his family's assets are seized. All seems lost, but just before boarding the ship, Ben-Hur has his first interaction with the Christ, who offers him water and hope. Their lives continue to intersect as Ben-Hur miraculously survives his time as a slave to become a charioteer, confront his betrayer, Messala, in an epic race, fall in love with the beautiful Esther, avenge his family, and become a follower of the Christ.

Ben-Hur weaves biblical history and a rich adventure plot into a timeless tale certain to entertain a new generation of readers.

Legacy Editions are a line of public domain titles first published in the United States by Harper & Brothers. All Legacy Editions are beautifully designed paperbacks featuring French flaps, special cover stock, and deckled edge paper.

Lew Wallace's epic novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ brings readers to the ancient realm of Judea during the reign of Jesus Christ. At its core lies the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is falsely accused and enslaved by the Romans. Ben-Hur meets Jesus while on a voyage of revenge, redemption, and spiritual awakening, and his teachings and miracles have a tremendous impact on his life. The story, set against a backdrop of political turbulence and religious fervour, addresses themes of faith, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. Ben-Hur is a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers with its epic storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.

Ben-Hur; A Tale of the Christ, by Lew Wallace is an epic of betrayal and redemption. It follows Judah Ben-Hur's journey from a wealthy prince to a condemned slave. In a quest for vengeance and justice, he encounters miracles, confronts his childhood friend turned adversary, and finds redemption through an unexpected friendship. A timeless story of faith, love and destiny.

From the author of the classic Ben-Hur comes a heartfelt retelling of the first Christmas. Filled with drama, wonder, and inspiration, this book is the perfect addition to any holiday book collection.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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Judah Ben-Hur is a Jewish prince from Jerusalem, who is enslaved by the Romans at the beginning of the first century. Running in parallel with Judah's narrative is the unfolding story of Jesus, who is from the same region and around the same age. As Judah is being marched to a slave ship, Jesus offers him a drink of water and encouragement. Judah's experiences with betrayal and revenge lead to love and compassion after he witnesses the crucifixion of Christ.

Ben-Hur is considered to be the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century, inspiring other novels with biblical settings. It also inspired Pope Leo XIII to bless the book, becoming first novel ever to receive such praise. Published in 1880, the novel remained at the top of the US all-time bestseller list until the publication of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind in 1936. In 1959, the book regained its best-selling status with the motion picture adaptation of Ben-Her, which won 11 Academy Awards.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

Falsely accused of attempting to assassinate a Roman governor, Ben-Hur is enslaved and sentenced to work on a Roman galley, while his mother and sister are imprisoned and their possessions and land confiscated. Luckily, he survives when the ship is attacked by pirates, and comes home, determined to find his family and intent on revenge on the Romans. While organizing a resistance force, he journeys to see John the Baptist. After he realizes that Jesus stands for forgiveness rather than revenge, Ben-Hur becomes one of his followers and devotes his life to the church after the crucifixion.

First published in 1880, Ben-Hur became a bestselling book upon publication, and was adapted to the celebrated 1959 film of the same title, which won eleven Academy Awards. A true classic, this suspenseful and moving tale gives a glimpse of life at the turn of an era.

In first-century Judea, Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur is betrayed by his childhood friend Messala and given a life sentence as a Roman galley slave. After Ben-Hur saves the life of his commander during a pirate attack, he returns to Galilee a free man but bent on revenge against Messala. His quest for vengeance turns into insurrection, but his life is eventually transformed through his encounters with the Christ. This best-selling novel of redemption has been translated into multiple languages and adapted for radio, stage, television, and several motion pictures. The 1959 movie starring Charlton Heston won eleven Academy Awards. As is often the case, however, the original novel tells a far better tale than the movie. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is absolutely compelling. Lew Wallace's vivid attention to detail and superb writing style make the story as accessible and enjoyable today as when it was first published. Blessed by Pope Leo XIII---the first work of fiction to be so honored---Ben-Hur is one of the great works of American literature. Newly designed and typeset by Waking Lion Press, this edition is printed on archival-quality, acid-free paper for a lifetime of reading enjoyment.