Ben-Hur
Dec 2015 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
658
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About this ebook
The story recounts the adventures of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Judah's childhood friend Messala returns home as an ambitious commanding officer of the Roman legions. They come to realize that they have changed and hold very different views and aspirations. During a military parade, a tile falls from the roof of Judah's house and barely misses the Roman governor. Although Messala knows that they are not guilty, he condemns the Ben-Hur family. Without trial, Judah is sent to the Roman galleys for life; his mother and sister are imprisoned and all the family property is confiscated. Through good fortune, Judah survives and returns to Jerusalem, where he seeks revenge against his one-time friend and redemption for his family. Running in parallel with Ben-Hur's narrative is the unfolding story of Jesus who comes from the same region and is a similar age. The two reflect themes of betrayal, conviction and redemption. With the Crucifixion, Ben-Hur recognizes that the Christ stands for a different goal than revenge, and he becomes Christian, turning to supporting the new religion with money which he has inherited, inspired by love and the talk of keys to a greater kingdom than any on earth. (Taken from Wikipedia)
About the author
Lew Wallace, born on April 10, 1827, in Brookville, Indiana, was a multifaceted American figure whose life spanned roles as a lawyer, Union general, politician, and diplomat. His early career was marked by a fervent participation in the Mexican-American War, which laid the groundwork for his later military prominence during the American Civil War. Wallace's leadership at the Battle of Monocacy in 1864, though a tactical defeat, was pivotal in delaying Confederate forces, earning him a place in military history.Beyond his military exploits, Wallace's tenure as the governor of the New Mexico Territory from 1878 to 1881 placed him at the heart of the Wild West's turbulent era. His efforts to bring law and order were marred by controversies, including his contentious interactions with the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid. Wallace's diplomatic skills were further tested when he served as the U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire, where he navigated complex international relations from 1881 to 1885.Wallace's literary contributions extended beyond his most famous work, reflecting his deep engagement with historical and religious themes. His writings often explored the moral and ethical dilemmas of his time, resonating with contemporary readers and influencing a generation of writers who grappled with similar issues. Wallace's ability to intertwine his rich personal experiences with broader cultural narratives made him a unique voice in American literature.Championing ideas of justice, redemption, and the human spirit's resilience, Wallace's legacy continues to intrigue and inspire. His life, marked by adventure, controversy, and intellectual pursuit, offers a compelling portrait of a man who straddled the worlds of war, governance, and literature with remarkable dexterity.
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