Rating: 
Summary: The best book I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
Review: Next to the Bible of course!I first read this wonderful epic when I was twelve years old.What impressed me most is the authors gift of being able to draw you into the book as though you were a person of that era. The description of various locals were stunning. One could almost smell the orange blossoms. I've reread Ben Hur several times and see a new beauty I had not seen before each and every time.
Rating:
Summary: The five stars are not for the Wordsworth Edition
Review: Reader Beware: The Wordworth edition of Ben Hur is actually abridged, though the cover says it is not. It is a repreint of an edition they did not know is abridged. Unless you want an abridged copy of a book that isn't all that challenging, buy a different version! Ben-Hur is a great book, o9therwise
Rating:
Summary: The movie was good, but as always the book outshines it!
Review: The movie Ben-Hur left out so much from the book, it was a wonderful read to re-discover the "Real Ben-Hur". Its a fantastic read! Lots of things going on. Lewis Wallace definately has/had a definate flair for writing! Very well done!
Rating:
Summary: The movie was good, but as always the book outshines it!
Review: The movie Ben-Hur left out so much from the book, it was a wonderful read to re-discover the "Real Ben-Hur". Its a fantastic read! Lots of things going on. Lewis Wallace definately has/had a definate flair for writing! Very well done!
Rating:
Summary: This is the best book ever!
Review: The story of Judah Ben Hur is a story that will ring through the ages. There are few stories that can match the inspiration one can gain from this novel. It is more than just a story of a Jew and a Roman, it is a story of the how only tangential interaction with the Christ completely changes the life of Judah. While some of the vivid imagery has faded with the changes in the English language over the years, with a dictionary nearby a person should be able to envision the scenes with no trouble. Wallace is very descriptive, at times too descriptive as the story gets delayed a few pages so he can describe a villa or Judah and Messala.
Rating:
Summary: Story for the ages
Review: The story of Judah Ben Hur is a story that will ring through the ages. There are few stories that can match the inspiration one can gain from this novel. It is more than just a story of a Jew and a Roman, it is a story of the how only tangential interaction with the Christ completely changes the life of Judah. While some of the vivid imagery has faded with the changes in the English language over the years, with a dictionary nearby a person should be able to envision the scenes with no trouble. Wallace is very descriptive, at times too descriptive as the story gets delayed a few pages so he can describe a villa or Judah and Messala.
Rating:
Summary: Ben Hur : A novel for every book lover
Review: The theme of "Ben Hur" is:"Presentation and dramatization of the dichotomy regarding the nature of the Christian concept of the Kingdom of God,the ultimate purpose behind the coming of Jesus Christ and the means by which the Kingdom of God can be established on Earth."
The jist of the plot,or the plot-theme is:"The story of a man who is a victim of injustice of the Romans and consequently,filled with growing hatred,bitterness and vengeance,seeks to overthrow the Roman empire by waging war with the much-awaited Messiah,or the Son of God-and establish the Kingdom of God on Earth."The dichotomy is this : one view is that the Kingdom of God is a political concept-which will replace the mighty Roman Empire-and that war and bloodshed will establish it.
On the contrary,the truth (the other side of the dichotomy) is that the Kingdom of God is a purely spiritual concept and that it can be established on Earth only through love,faith and good works. It is difficult to decide who is the protagonist-Jesus Christ or Ben Hur.
Since Wallace's objective was to clarify the meaning behind the coming of Christ,we may say that Christ is the protagonist-though not many pages have been devoted to Him.
Ben Hur represents the erroneous side of the dichotomy. It is through his role we are made to understand what actually IS the Kingdom of God and what means can make it possible.
The story primarily deals with WHY Ben Hur follows the wrong path(how he is blinded by a strong sense of hatred and vindictiveness). Laudable is the literary skill with which the story of Ben Hur has been inextricably interwoven with the life of Christ to bring out the purpose of the novel.
The dominating element in the novel is the heightened sense of suspense.Besides making it an action-packed thriller where events suceed each other with amazing rapidity,Wallace has infused into every chapter a stong element of suspense-from the very first to the very last.
Despite the neck-breaking speed with which the story proceeds,one never feels that the novelist has compromised on delineation of his characters' motives or psychology or the explanation of their actions or the events. Another merit is the brilliant language.Without being over-detailed,vaguely metaphorical or losing track of the plot,Wallace's descriptions are characterised by an evaluative vividness,lucidity,clarity and charming poetry.
They do not,as in the case of many other novels take away from the story its tautness. "Ben Hur" has it all-a tight,taut,economized plot-structure;thrilling,suspenseful action;historical and religious value;a wide cast of inspiring,lovable heroic characters;an enthralling sense of drama and a rich,poetic style of writing. All I can say,at the end,is: Read it and revel in a major literary achievement of the Romantic genre.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but over-written
Review: There seems to be a good story lurking over all that old-fashioned, overly lush prose. The main character takes a walk through a garden and it seems like every leaf of every plant and every feather of every bird is described, as well as way too many references to "the reader" (me, I guess). Yet underneath it all there is a good story, a retelling of Biblical events of Jesus' life from the point of view of a man driven by anger. It is worth reading, but be prepared to skim over the boring passages. Or better yet, just see the movie.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful story, but a little slow
Review: This book is written in a scholarly way that sort of meanders through the plot. It most likely will not hold the interest of someone who demands fast-paced, modern-style reading material. But for anyone who enjoys a more classical style, this book will probably be one of their favorites. It has action, intrigue, romance and a powerful message about Jesus Christ. I don't like the way Wallcae pictures Christ--he seems to picture Him as woman-like and almost weak. But other than that, I have no complaint.
Rating:
Summary: An awesome experience
Review: This is a great book, although it may not appeal to the average American reader. "The boring parts" - excessive detail, etc. - are very much a part of this book, and if they were left out, I think that the entire book would become boring. The colorful and powerful descriptions add so much to this book. It seems almost as if the book were illustrated; I get a very good feeling of the mood. Yes, there are some dry places in this book, but if you are willing to brave these, you will find yourself richly rewarded. Again, this book may not be for everyone, but give it a try. It may become one of your favorites.
P.S. Have a dictionary handy when you read this book. I did most of the time, and it helped me a lot. Maybe the reason that some parts were boring to me is that I didn't understand them.
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