Ben Hur

<p><em>Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ</em> (1880) by <strong>Lew Wallace</strong> is a historical novel set in the time of Jesus Christ. It follows <strong>Judah Ben-Hur</strong> a wealthy young Jewish nobleman in Jerusalem who is betrayed by his childhood friend <strong>Messala</strong> a Roman officer. Wrongfully accused of attempted murder Ben-Hur is enslaved and sent to the galleys while his family is imprisoned.</p><p>Through endurance and faith he survives becomes a skilled charioteer and eventually returns to confront Messala in a dramatic <strong>chariot race</strong> where he wins both vengeance and honor. Alongside his personal journey of justice and redemption Ben-Hur encounters Jesus Christ whose teachings of forgiveness and love ultimately transform his heart shifting his quest from revenge to spiritual salvation.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>