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Summary: I NEVER KNEW "JOSEPH WAS MARYS UNCLE" UNTIL BEN HUR!
Review: This is one of the most "fascinating"books ever written,("I never knew the NAMES of the three wise men!") or their nationalities or "marys parents names"!until~ I read ("BEN HUR A TALE OF THE CHRIST!) "a must for true collectors!"
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Summary: Very interesting and informative
Review: This novel is the tale of a Jewish prince in the time of Christ. The main character, Judah Ben-Hur, has a series of exciting adventures that take him through the Mediterranean world as a galley slave, the son of a powerful merchant, a soldier, and a chariot racer; and all the time he is struggling with his own christian views. In all, this was a good book with well developed characters and good action; but while I was reading it I kept having images of Charlton Heston (who played Ben Hur in the popular movie) pop into my mind and generally ruin the scene. The other thing I didn't really like about this book is its portrayal of the cruxifiction of Jesus; but you'll just have to read it yourself. I have read most of the religous accounts of the time and this one takes a few liberties, and I had a hard time determining exactly what was happening at times. An interesting tidbit that is usually overlooked about Ben Hur is that the book was written by Lew Wallace, a general who fought for the Union in the American Civil War.
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Summary: A pure classic worth the Time and Money
Review: This novel written by Lew Wallace in the 1870's, and published in 1880 is nothing short of a timeless classic. It's timeless because it has been a big seller ever since it was published 124 years ago. Because the story is rich in character, people from all walks of religion and life can appreciate this story set in a time of global religious turmoil. Ben-Hur is the story of a Jew's life-long quarrel with his counterpart and nemesis Messala, amid the Roman occupation of ancient Palestine and among the rise of the Christian Religion.Brief Synopsis: As childhood friends-become-enemies, Judah and Messala always had a burning desire to over achieve each other. As tensions grew with the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood, the two parted ways only to meet one day under a very peculiar and dark circumstance. As a Roman Prince strode through the streets on his horse, followed by his royal guards and gang, Judah, on his home's rooftop, came flying out to see what all the hype was about. Upon his looking down at the Prince from the rooftop, Judah could scarce get close enough to the magical prince. As though kicked over by the foot of fate, a parcel of the rooftop was sent tumbling down toward the horseman sending his beast to run amuck. Then Roman Guard, Messala, in his final attempt to spite Judah Ben-Hur, quickly pointed his finger in the direction of the innocent Judah casting a glow of malice over him. Ben-Hur became nothing, and his life was reset anew, forever to surrender his soul to his captors. Now a slave, Judah, of the house of Hur, must redeem his life, and that of his family's name. He must rise above slavery and into poverty where he must begin his life anew. Quick is the rise of a true hero, one who knows defeat but cherishes freedom. Read Ben-Hur to find out how Judah's life long quest of redemption leads to salvation and conversion to Christianity and how the restoration of his name and life comes on the day Christ Himself is crucified. Ben-Hur is the story of freedom, and how quickly it can be torn away from us. This story teaches you that you must forever and always be mindful of, and merit, your good fortune. To those interested in the history of Christ and the religious standoffs of the times, I would strongly suggest reading this novel.
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Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Though Ben Hur the movie is one of the greatest epics of all time, it doesn't hold a candle to the book. (The book plot and characters differ substantially from the movie, are much more interesting.) Ben Hur belongs on the short list of the greatest novels of all time, an incredibly good book you shouldn't miss!
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Summary: Awesome is now a cliched word, but Ben Hur IS AWESOME!
Review: When this book was first publised in 1880 and up to the late 1920's, Ben-Hur was one of America's favorite books--many many households had a copy. This book is as relevant, accessible and awe-inspiring today as it ever was. If you want to read a life-changing book, pick this one up. You won't be able to put it down.
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Summary: Revisit This Classic
Review: While writing style of a nineteenth century author is very different from current novelists this book is a terrific story.I pulled my old copy off the shelf (published in 1914)and enjoyed it even more than when I read it fifty years ago.However, because the condition of the volume was in such poor shape I found the Modern Library edition and am most unhappy with the introduction by Mr. Allmendinger.Much of the plot was revealed and his criticism would certainly prevent some from ever reading the book.He stressed the sentimental and physical attributes stating,"...this appreciation of male beauty might seem homoephobtc-" I contend that this professor from UCLA is projecting his modern ideas and predjudices into a nineteeth century book where they were not likely to have entered into the readers mind. The story has all the drama and suspense and action that anyone would consider a good read. Enjoy it.
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Summary: Outstanding historical and inspirational writing!
Review: You've seen the movie; you think you know the story, but if you you haven't read Lew Wallace's classic novel, you don't know the story! The book, though long and not an easy read, is classic prose at its finest. Full of historical detail and gripping narrative. This edition(FOF Classic Collection)has reproductions of the original wood-cut illustrations and an insightful and comprehensive introduction which outlines the life and times of Lew Wallace. A must-read for those who love quality literature.
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