Ben Hur (Radio Theatre)

Rating:
Summary: For Students and Scholars Only
Review: According to most scholars Wallace (1827-1905) would have much preferred to be remembered for his military commands as a Union officer during the American Civil War--but following this he turned to literature, writing both poetry and fiction. His 1873 book THE FAIR GOD was immensely popular, and such later works as 1888's THE BOYHOOD OF CHRIST and 1893's THE PRINCE OF INDIA were also well received. But he made his name with a single work: BEN-HUR: A TALE OF THE CHRIST, first published in 1880. An instant and massive best seller, it has been through countless editions, was one of the great stage successes of the early 20th Century, has been filmed twice.

The basic story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince sent into slavery whose life later intersects with that of Christ, is extremely well known, and Wallace gives it all the blood and thunder that he can muster, cramming page after page with plots and subplots, brutal struggles, shipwrecks, famine, plague--and of course the famous chariot race that Hollywood would so well imprint upon the popular imagination. It is certainly one of the most influential works of both its era and this era.

It is also extremely, extremely Victorian, which is to say that the style is elaborately and deliberately wordy. Detail exists for the sake of detail, Wallace never uses a single word when twenty or more will do, and his sentence construction drips with enough spurious punctuation marks to fuel an entire set of grammar texts. The whole thing seems to go on forever, and the plot construction is heavy handed for good measure.

If you enjoy the works of lesser-known Victorian novelists, you might find BEN-HUR to your tastes. But in spite of this novel's almost legendary reputation, if you shudder at the thought of Charles Dickens you'll cringe over Lew Wallace. Recommended... but only to those studying literary history.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer
who is actually distantly related to Lew Wallace

Rating:
Summary: An awesome experience
Review: Having been a tremendous fan of the Charleton Heston epic of the same name, I was very pleased and surprised to see this book available for reading.
I recommend it to everyone! The words used in it paint pictures so real you can almost see the people themselves.

Rating:
Summary: This is the best book ever!
Review: I read this book in three days. I couldn't put it down. I can honestly say that Ben-Hur, without a doubt, is my favorite book.

It's about a Jew named Judah Ben-Hur living in Israel during the time of Christ. He accidentally "kills" a Roman governor. Judah was on the roof of his house and the Roman guy was below him on his horse in the street. One of the tiles on the roof of Judah's house comes loose and it scares the horse, who rears, sending the Roman flying off it.

Judah is accused as an assassin and is sent to work as a galley slave for life. On his way there, Joseph the carpenter and Jesus come into Jerusalem. Joseph is talking with Roman soldier when Jesus sees Judah, who is in agony (it's sweltering hot), and gives him water.

You'll just have to read the rest for yourself. It's definitely worth it! But I will tell you that later in the story is a really cool chariot race scene between Judah and his enemy, Messala. It's so awesome! I know you'll enjoy Ben-Hur.

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: 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: 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.

Rating:
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.

Rating:
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.