New Releases by Lew Wallace

Lew Wallace: Collected Works showcases the profound literary talents of a man whose contributions transcended mere storytelling. This anthology encompasses Wallace''s diverse writings, from the historical novel Ben-Hur, which intricately weaves themes of redemption and faith within the context of Roman imperialism, to various works reflecting his rich engagement with themes of morality, governance, and the human condition. The literary style employed by Wallace is characterized by its vivid detail and emotional depth, making his characters resonate with authenticity and complexity. This collection invites readers to explore not only the narrative''s action-packed sequences but also the philosophically engaging dialogues that echo the moral dilemmas of his time. Lew Wallace was a multifaceted figure, an author, soldier, and politician, whose life experiences deeply informed his writing. As a Union general during the Civil War, Wallace''s encounters with the tumult of human conflict and suffering galvanized his understanding of morality and justice. His rich background in law and governance further informed his writing, allowing him to craft narratives that are both engaging and reflective of societal issues, revealing a mind that sought to reconcile faith and reason. This collected works is a must-read for scholars of American literature and history, as it presents a rich tapestry of ideas and narratives that continue to resonate in contemporary discourse. Readers will find not only entertainment and escapism but also deep intellectual engagement with the philosophical questions that Wallace grappled with in his life and writings.

Presented in their complete text and updated for easier reading, each story in the Great Stories Collection is truly unique. Each has been rigorously critiqued and selected for the quality of its Christian content, the value in its message, and its ability to bring and bind a family together. In-depth introductions detail both the authors and the times in which they lived. Many books feature original woodcut illustrations. Complete with thought-provoking questions, these books are keepsakes to be treasured for years to come. Perfect additions to the adult fiction section. An unforgettable account of betrayal, revenge, and rebellion. Lew Wallace tells the story of a Jewish nobleman who fell from Roman favor and was sentenced to life as a slave-all at the hands of his childhood friend. Years later "Ben-Hur" regains his freedom in the famous chariot race. Through everything, "Ben-Hur" has an encounter with the grace of God.

Judah and Massala are close friends growing up, though one is Jewish and the other Roman. But when an accident happens after Massala returns from five years in Rome, Massala betrays his childhood friend and family. Judah’s mother and sister are taken away to prison, and he is sent to a galley-ship. Years later, Judah rescues a ship’s captain from drowning after a ship-to-ship battle, and the tribune adopts him in gratitude. Judah then devotes himself to learning as much as he can about being a warrior, in the hopes of leading an insurrection against Rome. He thinks he’s found the perfect leader in a young Nazarite, but is disappointed at the young man’s seeming lack of ambition. Before writing Ben-Hur, Lew Wallace was best known for being a Major General in the American Civil War. After the war, a conversation with an atheist caused Wallace to take stock of how little he knew about his own religion. He launched into what would be years of research so that he could write with accuracy about first-century Israel. Although Judah Ben-Hur is the novel’s main character, the book’s subtitle, “A Tale of the Christ,” reveals Wallace’s real focus. Sales were only a trickle at the beginning, but it soon became a bestseller, and went on to become the best-selling novel of the nineteenth century. It has never been out of print, and to date has inspired two plays, a TV series, and five films—one of which, the 1959 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer epic, is considered to be one of the best films yet made.

In "The Fair God, or: The Last of the ''Tzins," Lew Wallace delivers a sweeping historical novel set against the backdrop of the fall of the Aztec Empire. The narrative intricately weaves themes of love, honor, and cultural conflict, showcasing Wallace''s penchant for rich descriptions and character depth. Employing a vivid, romantic prose style, Wallace immerses the reader in the tumultuous landscape of Mesoamerica, where indigenous beliefs converge with the encroaching Spanish conquest, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of identity and loss. As part of the broader context of 19th-century American literature, Wallace''s work reflects both the fascination with and the moral complexities of indigenous cultures and colonialism, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Lew Wallace, a Union general and a prominent lawyer, was deeply influenced by his diverse experiences, including his interactions with Native American communities and his own battle with faith and skepticism. These encounters enriched the depth of his storytelling, providing a personal lens through which he could examine the clash of civilizations. Wallace''s literary ambitions were further fueled by his desire to craft moral allegories, and "The Fair God" serves as an embodiment of these principles, blending adventure with thoughtful introspection. This captivating novel is highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction that probes profound themes of ethics and human experience. Wallace''s narrative not only captivates the imagination through its engaging storyline but also invites readers to reflect on the past''s complexities, making it a significant addition to the canon of American literature.

Lew Wallace''s ''Ben-Hur (Illustrated Edition)'' is a classic tale of betrayal, redemption, and courage set in ancient Judea. The story follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a young Jewish prince who is falsely accused of treason and enslaved by the Romans. Through a series of trials and tribulations, Ben-Hur seeks revenge against his former friend and Roman tribune, Messala, while also finding inner peace and forgiveness. Wallace''s rich prose and vivid descriptions bring to life the bustling streets of Jerusalem and the intense chariot races in the Circus Maximus, captivating readers with its elaborate storytelling. This epic novel not only explores themes of justice and faith but also paints a vivid picture of ancient history and culture, making it a timeless masterpiece in the literary world. Lew Wallace, a Civil War general and diplomat, drew inspiration from his travels to the Holy Land and his interest in history to pen this iconic work. His deep understanding of biblical narratives and historical events adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making ''Ben-Hur'' a must-read for any lover of historical fiction and adventure tales.

Lew Wallace''s ''The Wooing of Malkatoon'' is a captivating novel set in ancient Mesopotamia, blending historical fiction with elements of romance and adventure. Through intricate storytelling and vivid descriptions, Wallace paints a vivid picture of the exotic landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the ancient world. The narrative is intricately woven with themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The author''s literary style demonstrates a deep understanding of the historical period, bringing ancient civilizations to life with meticulous detail. The book is a testament to Wallace''s mastery of storytelling and his ability to transport readers to a bygone era with authenticity and flair. Fans of historical fiction and romance will find ''The Wooing of Malkatoon'' a rewarding and immersive read. Wallace''s expertise as a historian and his passion for storytelling shine through in this captivating novel, making it a must-read for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and tales of love and intrigue.

In "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ," Lew Wallace masterfully intertwines a gripping narrative of betrayal, redemption, and faith set against the backdrop of ancient Rome. Wallace employs a rich, descriptive literary style that captures the tumultuous atmosphere of the era, while the novel''s structure interlaces an epic adventure with a powerful exploration of Christian themes. The story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince falsely accused of treason, whose journey takes him from the heights of nobility to the depths of despair and ultimately leads him to encounter Christ. This 19th-century work, emerging from the historical fiction genre, offers readers a profound reflection on the moral questions of vengeance and forgiveness, embodying the spirit of its time—a period marked by spiritual upheaval and burgeoning interest in biblical narratives. Lew Wallace was not only a writer but also a Union general during the American Civil War, a lawyer, and a politician, factors that shaped his worldview and narrative voice. His varied experiences imbued his storytelling with a sense of depth and authenticity, while his conversion to Christianity in later life influenced the conception of this work. Wallace sought to create a story that would inspire faith and moral contemplation, reflecting his desire to bridge the secular with the sacred. "Ben-Hur" is recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction laced with spiritual inquiry. It resonates across generations, inviting contemplation on the complexities of the human condition and the enduring power of grace. This novel not only offers an engaging tale but also serves as a meaningful exploration of themes that remain relevant today.

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is a novel by Lew Wallace, published by Harper and Brothers on November 12, 1880 and considered "the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century".It became a best-selling American novel, surpassing Harriet Beecher Stowe''s Uncle Tom''s Cabin (1852) in sales. The book also inspired other novels with biblical settings and was adapted for the stage and motion picture productions. Ben-Hur remained at the top of the US all-time bestseller list until the publication of Margaret Mitchell''s Gone with the Wind (1936).

Title: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the ChristAuthor: Lew WallaceLanguage: English

Lewis "Lew" Wallace (April 10, 1827 - February 15, 1905) was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, governor of the New Mexico Territory, politician, diplomat, and author from Indiana. Among his novels and biographies, Wallace is best known for his historical adventure story, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), a bestselling novel that has been called "the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century."Wallace wrote subsequent novels and biographies, but Ben-Hur remained his most important work. Wallace considered The Prince of India; or, Why Constantinople Fell (1893) as his best novel. The Prince of India : Or, Why Constantinople Fell, Volume IBOOK I. THE EARTH AND THE SEA ARE ALWAYS GIVING UP THEIR SECRETSBOOK II. - THE PRINCE OF INDIABOOK III. - THE PRINCESS IRENÉBOOK IV. - THE PALACE OF BLACHERNE

This novel from Wallace, the writer of Ben-Hur, recounts events leading to the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453. The legendary wandering jew, in the guise of a Prince of India aids in bringing about the downfall of the city and its empire by aiding and advising the Turkish Sultan Mehmed II. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishin

Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ By Lew Wallace

Ben-Hur is a heroic story of a fictional hero named Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman who was falsely accused of an attempted assassination and enslaved by the Romans. He becomes a successful charioteer.he story''s revenge plot becomes a story of compassion and forgiveness.The novel is divided into eight books, or parts, each with its own subchapters. Book one opens with the story of the three biblical Magi, who arrive in Bethlehem to hear the news of Christ''s birth. Readers meet the fictional character of Judah for the first time in book two, when his childhood friend Messala, also a fictional character, returns home as an ambitious commanding officer of the Roman legions. The teen-aged boys come to realize that they have changed and hold very different views and aspirations. When a loose tile is accidentally dislodged from the roof of Judah''s house during a military parade and strikes the Roman governor, knocking him from his horse, Messala falsely accuses Judah of attempted assassination. Although Judah is not guilty and receives no trial, he is sent to the Roman galleys for life; his mother and sister are imprisoned in a Roman jail, where they contract leprosy; and all the family property is confiscated. Judah first encounters Jesus, who offers him a drink of water and encouragement, just before Judah is forced into slavery aboard a Roman galley. Their lives continue to intersect as the story unfolds.In book three Judah survives his ordeal as a galley slave through good fortune, which includes befriending and saving the commander of his ship, who later adopts him. Judah goes on to become a trained soldier and charioteer. In books four and five Judah returns home to Jerusalem to seek revenge and redemption for his family.After witnessing the Crucifixion, Judah recognizes that Christ''s life stands for a different goal than revenge. Judah becomes Christian, inspired by love and the talk of keys to a greater kingdom than any on earth. The novel concludes with Judah''s decision to finance the Catacomb of San Calixto in Rome, where Christian martyrs could be buried and venerated.

The Fair God or, The Last of The ''Tzins

A detailed introduction to the meaning of title, San Calixto Catacombs, the book and the author is provides in the beginning and a few images relating to Christ and the contemporary Roman empire are added.The word ''Ben'' is frequently used as a shortened version of the given name Benjamin as well as Benedict, Bengt, Bennett, Benoit, Benvolio, Bentley, or Ebenezer and other names. In Arabic and Hebrew, "Ben" means "son of" forming part of surnames, e.g. ''Abraham ben Abraham'' is ''Abraham son of Abraham''. Besides many other, one of the Biblical meanings for Hur is- ''A prominent official in Israel. With Aaron he held up Moses'' hands during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:10,12) and assisted him as judicial head of the people during Moses'' stay in the mount (Exodus 24:14). There is yet another description from urbandictionary.com which describes, "If one is said to be "Ben Hur" it implys that one is a man of small stature....yet a large amount of sexual appeal. Thus one can never be....bigger than Ben Hur." Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, a novel by Lew Wallace, was first published on November 12, 1880. It was considered "the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century" and was the best-selling American novel from the time of its publication, superseding the sale of Harriet Beecher Stowe''s Uncle Tom''s Cabin (1852). It remained at the top until the publication of Margaret Mitchell''s Gone with the Wind (1936). Following release of the 1959 MGM film adaptation of Ben-Hur, which was seen by tens of millions and won 11 Academy Awards in 1960, the sales of this book surpassed Gone with the Wind. Blessed by Pope Leo XIII, the novel was the first work of fiction to be so honored religiously. 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 loose tile is accidentally dislodged from the roof of Judah''s house and hits the Roman governor, knocking him from his horse. Although Messala knows that they are not guilty of attempted assassination, he condemns the Ben-Hur family. Without trial, Judah is sent to the Roman galleys for life; his mother and sister are imprisoned in a cell previously used for lepers and all the family property is confiscated.Through good fortune, befriending and saving the commander of his ship, Judah survives and is trained as a soldier. He 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.Lewis "Lew" Wallace (April 10, 1827 - February 15, 1905) was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, territorial governor and statesman, politician, and author. Wallace served as governor of the New Mexico Territory at the time of the Lincoln County War and worked to bring an end to the fighting.Of his novels and biographies, he is best known for his historical novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), a bestselling book since its publication, and called "the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century." It has been adapted four times for films.