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Ben-Hur book cover
Historical Fiction · Epic

A Jewish prince is betrayed and seeks revenge in Roman times

Ben-Hur

by Lew Wallace

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1880Moderate readSteady pace

What it is about

Judah Ben-Hur is enslaved by the Romans after a false accusation and returns for a chariot race against his childhood friend Messala. Wallace’s 1880 novel was the best-selling American novel of the nineteenth century.

Who will enjoy it

Readers who enjoy stories set firmly in a real time and place, with an epic mood and a steady pace. It is a read that rewards some attention.

Themes: Rome · Revenge · Faith

Screen adaptation

Ben-Hur (1925) · Ben-Hur (1959)

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Page count and cover shown for: Selected edition

About the author

Lew Wallace1 book on Tori Books

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