Product Description

Ben-Hur is readily associated with its four film versions, yet Lew Wallace's epic novel of 1880 was a huge bestseller in its day. A spiritual tale of the quest for love, the recovery of identity and patrimony, Ben-Hur's vivid descriptions are based on a breadth of research into the Bible and the Holy Lands that is a secure basis for its detail and realism. Like many other `toga novels', and as David Mayer's introduction makes explicit, Ben-Hur is also
marked by traces of contemporary issues and American Victorian concerns which shed important light on social and cultural history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1213668 in Books
• Published on: 1998-06-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

Synopsis
'That moment Malluch, in the gallery, saw Ben-Hur lean forward over his Arabs, and give them the reins. Out flew the many folded lash in his hand; over the backs of the startled steeds it writhed and hissed...' Ben-Hur is readily associated with its four film versions, yet Lew Wallace's epic novel of 1880 was a huge bestseller, written by a former soldier who had fought in American Civil War. Intended as a moral and inspirational narrative, Ben-Hur's life parallels that of Jesus as he makes a journey of discovery and enlightenment through the Mediterranean world from Jerusalem through Nazareth to the galleys that carry him to shipwreck in the Aegean, and, finally, Rome. A spiritual tale of the quest for love, the recovery of identity and patrimony, Ben-Hur's vivid description is based on a breadth of research into the Bible and the Holy Lands that never fails to delight in its detail and realism. Like many other 'toga novels', Ben-Hur is also marked by traces of contemporary issues - the dissent, division and moral contradiction of emerging imperial cultures, the 'New Woman' question, and even trade unionism.

Unlike the film versions, the novel is a rich source of American Victorian concerns and tensions, as well as being one of the most entertaining of its genre.

About the Author
David Mayer has a position in the Department of Drama at the University of Manchester.

Customer Reviews

Ben Hur; Hardback copy from the 50s.
Interesting that reportedly this became a hit when published in 1880; it's certainly not one I'd have thought would have taken off like that, since the author's style is so theatrical and stodgy. I guess tastes drifted a lot over that many years.

I'd no idea it was from the Victorian era. Wallace's turgid style and very stilted dialogue makes it a bit of an effort to get through. He has a pretty worthwhile, if a bit too predictable, plot - from which the Heston version movie differs a fair bit in detail, with the Balthazar-Simonides subplot missing from its script, (and probably none the worse for that).

If I'd not seen the film I'd never have persevered with this book. I've not heard of other novels by Lew Wallace, and somehow this is no surprise.

I usually re-read books, but feel this one will stay on the shelf. If Leon Uris had written it, I'd have liked it better. (Sorry, Lew.)

Dragged a bit in parts
I have to say I did not find this novel as moving as I did Quo Vadis, that other 19th century novel about early Christianity. It rather dragged in places and some of the characters seemed rather flat. It covers a longer period of time than the famous film, as the first 50 pages concern the birth of Christ and in particular the progress of the Magi. As for other comparisons, the "real" Ben Hur sounds nothing like Charlton Heston, not only physically, but also in that here in the novel his desire for vengeance on Messala comes out more strongly as the chief personal drive of his life. Particular moving moments were the immediate aftermath of the accident that led to Ben Hur's arrest and that of his family and the later discovery of the appalling treatment and condition of his mother (unnamed for some reason) and sister Tirzah. In sum, I'm glad I read this novel, but it was a bit of a struggle in parts.

A challenging yet infinetly rewarding read!
I first seen Ben-Hur on television a number of years ago and at that time, it was Charlton Heston in another Bible flick which though was entertaining, was a little long winded. The film doesn't do the book justice. Wallace builds up a picture of paradise lost and through a refreshing use of words and imagery, conjures up every scene & emotion our young hero encounteres & endures throughout the novel. The plot is one of love & revenge. Not love in the sense of Romeo & Juliet but the love between a son & his family and a man for his God. The story is set around about the time of Jesus Christ but that should in no way discourage anyone who's not of a Christian nature as this book will be enjoyed by everyone who gives it a chance. On summary, Wallace captures your attention from more or less the beginning & refuses to let go, climaxing at the chariot race where rightful revenge is sought by Juda Ben-Hur on his mortal enemy Massala.