Ben-Hur

Collector's Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket

Betrayed by his closest friend and condemned to a life of slavery, Judah Ben-Hur loses everything-his family, his home, and his freedom-at the hands of the ruthless Roman Empire. Surviving the brutal existence of a galley slave, he rises against all odds, fueled by a burning desire for vengeance. As he climbs back to power, crossing paths with gladiators, charioteers, and mighty Roman rulers, his fate becomes entwined with that of a mysterious teacher whose message of forgiveness challenges everything he believes. In a world of empires and upheaval, Judah must decide whether the road to justice lies in the sword-or in something far greater.

Few novels have shaped popular culture and religious storytelling like Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. First published in 1880, it became the best-selling American novel of the 19th century, blending historical drama with themes of faith, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. Its sweeping narrative and vivid depiction of Roman-occupied Judea captivated readers, influencing countless adaptations in theater, film, and television. More than just a novel, it helped bridge the gap between historical fiction and biblical narrative, leaving an enduring legacy in both literature and cinema.

Born on April 10, 1827, in Brookville, Indiana, Lew Wallace was the second son of David and Esther Wallace. His father, David Wallace, served as Indiana's lieutenant governor and later as governor, immersing Lew in a politically active environment. Despite a formal education that was often interrupted, Lew developed a passion for literature and storytelling from an early age. ​Wallace's career was multifaceted; he practiced law, served as a Union general during the American Civil War, and held various political and diplomatic positions. Notably, he was appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory from 1878 to 1881, during which he worked to restore order following the Lincoln County War. Subsequently, he served as U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire from 1881 to 1885, strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations. ​In addition to his public service, Wallace was a prolific author, best known for his historical novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, published in 1880. The novel became the best-selling American book of the 19th century and was hailed as "the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century." Wallace continued to write until his death on February 15, 1905, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, leaving a legacy that bridged the realms of literature, military service, and diplomacy.

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