Among his novels and biographies, Wallace is best known for his historical adventure story, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), a bestselling novel that has been called 'the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century.' Lewis Wallace (Ap– February 15, 1905) was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, governor of the New Mexico Territory, politician, diplomat, and author from Indiana. The novel reflects themes of betrayal, conviction, and redemption, with a revenge plot that leads to a story of love and compassion. Running in parallel with Judah's narrative is the unfolding story of Jesus, from the same region and around the same age. The story recounts the adventures of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem, who is enslaved by the Romans at the beginning of the first century and becomes a charioteer and a Christian. The success of the novel and its stage and film adaptations also helped it to become a popular cultural icon that was used to promote numerous commercial products. It was blessed by Pope Leo XIII, the first novel ever to receive such an honour. The 1959 MGM film adaptation of Ben-Hur is considered one of the greatest films ever made and was seen by tens of millions, going on to win a record 11 Academy Awards in 1960, after which the book's sales increased and it surpassed Gone with the Wind. all-time bestseller list until the 1936 publication of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. The book also inspired other novels with biblical settings and was adapted for the stage and motion picture productions. It became a best-selling American novel, surpassing Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) in sales. This reduces waste and helps us keep prices low while greatly reducing our impact on the environment.īen-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is a novel by Lew Wallace, published by Harper and Brothers on November 12, 1880, and considered 'the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century'. Ben-Hur fights to clear his family's name and is ultimately inspired by the rise of Jesus Christ and his message. Ben-Hur's family is wrongly accused and convicted of treason during the time of Christ.

It explores the themes of betrayal and redemption. This poignant novel intertwines the life stories of a Jewish charioteer named Judah Ben-Hur and Jesus Christ.

Sealed.īen-Hur is one of the best selling books of all times.

First Edition by the publisher and not the later printing. With illustrations by Joe Mugnaini and an introduction by Ben Ray Redmond. Luxuriously bound in full genuine leather with 22kt gold accents. Lewis Wallace 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ'. Leather-Bound Collector's Edition of one of the best selling books of all timesĮaston Press.

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